Exploring “Mother and Child” by Eugene Field
One night a tiny dewdrop fell
Into the bosom of a rose,
Dear little one, I love thee well,
Be ever here thy sweet repose!
Seeing the rose with love bedight,
The envious sky frowned in darkness, and then
Sent forth a messenger of light
And caught the dewdrop up again.
Oh, give me back my heavenly child,
My love!” the rose in anguish cried;
Alas, the sky triumphant smiled,
And so the flower, heart-broken, died.
What the Poem Is About
“Mother and Child” is a poignant and beautifully simple poem that explores the profound love between a mother and her child. Field uses the delicate imagery of a rose and a dewdrop to represent this connection. The poem depicts a fleeting moment of joy as the dewdrop—the child—rests within the rose’s embrace. However, this happiness is tragically cut short when an external force—the sky—removes the dewdrop, leaving the rose devastated and ultimately leading to its death. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the themes of love, loss, and the inevitable sorrows of life.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Aspects
The central idea of “Mother and Child” is the depth and fragility of maternal love. While seemingly straightforward, the poem resonates with universal emotions experienced by both mothers and children. It subtly addresses the anxiety of a parent about the safety and well‑being of their child and the overwhelming grief that accompanies loss. The poem’s power lies in its simplicity; it does not explicitly state these ideas but allows the imagery and emotional weight to convey them directly to the reader. It’s important to note that Field often wrote poems for children, and this one, while touching on sorrow, is crafted with a gentle and accessible style.
In-Depth Analysis of the Poem
The Central Metaphor: Rose and Dewdrop
The most striking element of the poem is its extended metaphor. The rose serves as a potent symbol of the mother, embodying beauty, tenderness, and nurturing. The dewdrop, fragile and delicate, represents the child—dependent on the mother for sustenance and protection. The opening lines, “One night a tiny dewdrop fell / Into the bosom of a rose,” immediately establish this intimate connection. The word “bosom” itself evokes a sense of warmth, security, and maternal care. The dewdrop’s resting place is not just within the rose, but deeply within it, highlighting the profound emotional bond.
Personification and the Role of the Sky
Field skillfully employs personification, giving human qualities to both the rose and the sky. The rose isn’t simply a flower; it feels love, expresses anguish, and ultimately dies of a broken heart. This allows readers to empathize with the rose’s plight. The sky, however, is portrayed as an envious and almost malicious force. The lines, “Seeing the rose with love bedight, / The envious sky frowned in darkness,” suggest that the sky resents the joy and connection between mother and child. This personification transforms the sky into an antagonist, creating a sense of conflict and dramatic tension. The sky’s triumphant smile after taking the dewdrop is particularly chilling, emphasizing its callous indifference.
Examining Poetic Devices for Emotional Impact
Several poetic devices contribute to the poem’s emotional resonance. Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, creates a musical quality that enhances the poem’s lyrical flow. Notice the repetition of the “l” sound in “little, love,” and the subtle repetition of “s” sounds throughout. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, further contributes to the poem’s melodic quality. Consider the repeated “e” sound in “seeing, sweet repose.”
Enjambment is used subtly to maintain a flowing rhythm and build anticipation. For example, “The envious sky frowned in darkness, and then / Sent forth a messenger of light” creates a sense of momentum as the action unfolds. Perhaps most powerfully, Field uses imagery to paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. The image of the tiny dewdrop, glistening within the rose’s embrace, is both beautiful and heartbreaking, knowing its inevitable fate.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
The poem’s structure consists of three quatrains, giving it a balanced feel. The rhyme is loose and gentle, with slant rhymes that add a subtle musicality without forcing the reader. This relaxed rhythm and rhyme make the poem accessible to younger readers while still conveying its deep emotional content. The soothing cadence contrasts with the tragic subject matter, creating a poignant tension that invites reflection.
Why This Poem Endures
“Mother and Child” remains a beloved poem because it taps into universal human emotions. It reminds us of the preciousness of life, the depth of maternal love, and the inevitable pain of loss. The simplicity of the language and imagery allows readers of all ages to connect with the poem on a deeply personal level. It’s a poem that can be read and reread, each time offering new insights and emotional resonance. The poem does not offer solutions or platitudes but acknowledges the complex and often painful realities of love and loss, making it profoundly moving and enduringly relevant.
Sharing and Reflecting on the Poem
Consider how the poem’s imagery might inspire creative writing or visual art. Encourage discussion about personal experiences with love, loss, and the bonds between family members. The poem can also serve as a starting point for exploring themes of grief and resilience in literature and art. The beauty of “Mother and Child” lies not only in its poetic artistry but in its ability to evoke empathy and encourage meaningful reflection on the human condition.