Poverty
by Jane Taylor
I saw an old cottage of clay,
And only of mud was the floor;
It was all falling into decay,
And the snow drifted in at the door.Yet there a poor family dwelt,
In a hovel so dismal and rude;
And though gnawing hunger they felt,
They had not a morsel of food.The children were crying for bread,
And to their poor mother they’d run;
‘Oh, give us some breakfast,’ they said,
Alas! their poor mother had none.She viewed them with looks of despair,
She said, and I’m sure it was true, “Tis not for myself that I care,
But, my poor little children, for you.”O then, let the wealthy and gay but see such a hovel as this,
That in a poor cottage of clay
They may know what true misery is.
And what I may have to bestow
I never will squander away,
While many poor people I know are wretched around me.
Summary of Poverty
- Popularity of “Poverty”: Jane Taylor’s “Poverty” is a deeply moving narrative poem, exploring themes of hardship and parental love. First published in 1804 within her collection, Original Poems for Infant Minds, the poem vividly depicts the plight of a destitute family living in a dilapidated home. Its enduring appeal stems from its powerful portrayal of poverty and its call for empathy and charitable action.
- “Poverty” as a Representative of Misery and Pain: The poem paints a stark picture of a family struggling with extreme poverty. Taylor doesn’t shy away from detailing the physical decay of their home – “an old cottage of clay,” with a “muddy floor” and snow drifting through the cracks. More importantly, she focuses on the emotional toll poverty takes, particularly on the mother who witnesses her children’s hunger, yet remains selfless, prioritizing their needs above her own. This poignant portrayal highlights the human cost of poverty and encourages reflection on societal inequalities.
- Major Themes in “Poverty”: The central themes of “Poverty” are, unsurprisingly, poverty, hardship, and the unwavering love of a mother. The poem underscores the stark contrast between the family’s dire circumstances – a crumbling home, lack of food – and their resilience. The mother’s selflessness – “Tis not for myself that I care, but, my poor little children, for you” – is a powerful testament to the strength of maternal love, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. The poem also serves as a subtle critique of societal indifference to the plight of the poor.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Poverty”
Literary devices are tools writers use to convey meaning, evoke emotion, and create impact. Taylor skillfully employs several literary devices in “Poverty” to enhance the poem’s emotional resonance and thematic depth.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a musical effect and emphasizes certain phrases. Notice the repetition of the short ‘i’ sound in “And the snow drifted in at the door,” creating a sense of coldness and bleakness.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words draws attention to specific phrases. For example, the repetition of the ‘p’ sound in “While many poor people I know” emphasizes the prevalence of poverty.
- Allegory: While not a strict allegory, the dilapidated cottage and impoverished family can be seen as symbolic representations of wider societal issues of poverty and inequality. The physical decay of the home mirrors the moral and societal decay that allows such hardship to exist.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next creates a sense of flow and momentum. For example, the lines “O then, let the wealthy and gay but see such a hovel as this” create a direct address to the privileged, urging them to witness the suffering of the poor.
- Irony: There’s a subtle irony in the final stanza where the speaker states they will not “squander away” their resources while acknowledging the widespread misery around them. This suggests a tension between recognizing the problem and actually addressing it.
- Imagery: Taylor’s poem is rich in vivid imagery that appeals to the senses. Phrases like “old cottage of clay,” “muddy floor,” and “children were crying for bread” create a visceral picture of poverty and suffering.
- Symbolism: The “clay cottage” and “muddy floor” symbolize not only the family’s physical impoverishment but also their vulnerability and lack of stability. The crumbling structure represents the fragility of their existence.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Poverty”
Poetic devices are specific techniques poets use to create rhythm, rhyme, and other effects. Taylor employs several poetic devices to enhance the musicality and emotional impact of “Poverty.”
- End Rhyme: The poem utilizes a consistent end rhyme scheme (ABAB) which contributes to its musicality and memorability. The rhyming pattern creates a sense of closure and predictability.
- Quatrain: The poem is primarily composed of quatrains, four-line stanzas, a common form in traditional poetry. The quatrain structure provides a sense of balance and order.
- Rhyme Scheme: As mentioned, the poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme throughout most of its stanzas. This regular pattern contributes to its overall musicality and flow.
- Stanza: The poem consists of five stanzas, each contributing to the overall narrative and thematic development. The stanza breaks allow for pauses and reflection.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines powerfully convey the sorrowful state of those experiencing poverty and hunger:
“The children were crying for bread,
And to their poor mother they’d run;
‘Oh, give us some breakfast,’ they said,
Alas! their poor mother had none.”
This excerpt vividly illustrates the desperation and vulnerability of the children and the heartbreaking helplessness of their mother.
“Poverty” is a moving and thought‑provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its vivid imagery, skillful use of literary and poetic devices, and compassionate portrayal of human suffering, Taylor compels us to confront the realities of poverty and consider our own responsibilities towards those less fortunate.