Opening
The poem “The Mother Bird” by Isabella Valancy Crawford utilizes several literary devices to convey its meaning and themes. Some key techniques used in the poem include symbolism, metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, and repetition. Analyzing how these devices are employed provides deeper insight into the message and artistry of the poem.
Summary
“The Mother Bird” tells the story of a mother bird sitting on her nest and guarding her young chicks. She vigilantly watches for any threats or predators that could harm her babies. The poem personifies the bird, describing her anxiety and fierce protectiveness as she constantly scans for danger. Even as a storm arises, the mother bird steadfastly remains on the nest, shielding her chicks from the torrential downpour. The poem concludes by reflecting on the selfless and uncompromising maternal love embodied by the vigilant mother bird.
Symbolism
The mother bird herself functions as a symbol of motherhood. Her tireless dedication to protecting her young represents the sacrificial and selfless character of a mother’s love. The storm is also symbolic, serving as a metaphor for the various threats and dangers which confront both children and parents in life. The mother bird’s steadfast refusal to abandon her nest represents the resilience parents must possess to shelter their children from harm.
Metaphor
The poem utilizes several metaphors beyond the central symbolism of the mother bird. The “sea of sleet” describes the relentlessness of the storm’s assault. Referring to the storm as a “ghostly host” personifies the cloud and winds as an army of hostile spirits besieging the mother bird. The metaphor of an army emphasizes the severity of the threat against which the mother bird must defend.
Simile
Similes in the poem include:
– “Her wings like波涛汹涌 gates that swung ajar” compares the mother’s sheltering wings to gates that can open and close to protect against impending danger.
– “Her eyes like interpreting flame” depicts the keen watchdog nature of the mother’s gaze searching for predators.
– “Her crest more angry than the lightning’s wing” underlines the intensity of the mother’s defensive fury against any possible threats to her young.
Personification
The most prominent personification in “The Mother Bird” is the depiction of the bird herself as a vigilant, anxious, caring mother. Crawford personifies the bird, imagining the thoughts and emotions of a parent protecting vulnerable offspring. Other examples include:
– The “ghostly host” of wind and cloud personified as an attacking army
– The rain and hail “marching down as to a funeral”
– The “synod of the clouds” presiding over the storm
– The wind “shrieking” through the trees
Alliteration
Crawford employs alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create poetic rhythm and melody. Examples include:
– “her wings like波涛汹涌 gates” – repetition of “w” and “g” sounds
– “the chill rain’s fell tramp” – “f” and “t” sounds
– “hovered the wild night” – “w” and “n” sounds
– “storm’s satisfactory sinister voice” – “s” sounds
Repetition
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the start of successive lines or stanzas, is used to underscore the relentlessness of the storm:
“Cold, cold – the freezing hail…
Cold, cold – the blast…
Cold, cold – the cheerless dawn”
Epistrophe, the repetition of a word or phrase at the ends of clauses, is employed in the lines:
“And the ghostly host of the tempest tramped and tramped,
Marched and marched together…”
Additional Examples
Beyond the devices already discussed, further examples include:
Simile
– Wings beating “like theengines of a stranded boat”
– Breast “like a snowdrift”
Alliteration
– “thinking the thunder thoughts”
– “bleak black gift”
– “roof-rent tree”
Personification
– Leaves “like pale hands” plead
– Wind “shrieked and cried likea famine-maddened horde”
Repetition
– “Alone, alone” in lines 10, 24, and 42
Imagery
Vivid descriptions of the “sea of sleet”, “roof-rent tree”, “shivering nest”, and mother bird’s “ice-bound breast” create ominous imagery that accents the harsh setting.
Themes
The literary devices help communicate central themes in “The Mother Bird” such as:
– Self-sacrifice of motherhood
– Braving adversity to protect children
– Defending vulnerability in the face of danger
– Resilience, dedication and vigilance of parental love
Conclusion
Isabella Valancy Crawford skillfully weaves several literary techniques into the fabric of “The Mother Bird” to bolster its themes. Symbolism of the mother bird represents maternal devotion. Metaphors and similes underscore the severity of the storm and fragility of the chicks. Personification brings emotional depth to the mother. Alliteration, repetition and vivid imagery heighten the dramatic atmosphere. Together, these devices help render a poignant portrait of parental love braving unpredictable storms to shelter offspring from harm. The poem’s masterful use of literary artistry accentuates its poignant depiction of a mother’s unconditional love and protection.