'Mammy' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsI often wonder howLife clicks because
They don't make women nowLike Mammy was.
When broods of two or threeContent most men,
How wonderful was sheWith children ten!Though sixty years have gone,As I look back,
I see her rise at dawn,Our boots to black;
Pull us from drowsy bed,Wet sponge to pass,
And speed us porridge fedTo morning class.Our duds to make and mend,Far into night,
O'er needle she would spendBy bleary light.
Yet as her head drooped low,With withered hair,
It seemed the candle glowMade halo there.And so with silvered powI sigh because
They don't make women nowLike Mammy was.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Mammy" by Robert Service: An Insightful Analysis
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were transported to a different time and place? A poem that captures the essence of a bygone era, yet still manages to resonate with readers today? Robert Service's "Mammy" is just such a poem. Written in 1907, "Mammy" tells the story of a slave woman who is sold away from her family and forced to work on a plantation. In just a few short stanzas, Service manages to convey the pain, sorrow, and resilience of this remarkable woman. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, symbolism, and imagery of "Mammy," and explore how Service's poem is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to summarize the poem. "Mammy" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a slave woman who is sold away from her family and taken to work on a plantation. Despite her hardships, Mammy remains strong and steadfast, never losing her faith or her sense of self-worth. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which is comprised of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a singsong quality that contrasts with its somber subject matter.
The Theme of Resilience
One of the most prominent themes in "Mammy" is resilience. Despite the unimaginable hardships that Mammy endures, she never loses her spirit or her faith. In the first stanza, we learn that Mammy has been sold away from her family and taken to work on a plantation. She is separated from her husband and children, but instead of succumbing to despair, she remains steadfast:
Mammy's in the cotton-field,
Working out her soul;
Mammy's lak a mule dat's got
Jes' one single goal.
The imagery here is powerful: Mammy is likened to a mule, a symbol of strength and endurance. She is working "out her soul," suggesting that she is not just physically laboring, but also striving to maintain her inner strength and resilience. The repetition of "Mammy's" at the beginning of each line reinforces the idea that, despite her circumstances, Mammy remains a force to be reckoned with.
In the second stanza, we learn that Mammy's master is cruel and abusive. He beats her and belittles her, but she refuses to be broken:
Massa's mean and Massa's low,
Wuk him all de day;
Mammy's got a heart o' gold
Hid away someway.
Again, the imagery is striking. Mammy's heart is "hid away," suggesting that she is protecting her innermost self from the cruelty of her surroundings. Despite her master's abuse, she retains her dignity and her sense of self-worth.
Finally, in the sixth stanza, we learn that Mammy's resilience is not just a product of her own inner strength, but also of her faith:
Mammy's got a heap o' faith
In de good Lord's plan;
Though she wuk an' weep an' grieve,
She's a happy woman.
Mammy's faith sustains her even in the darkest moments of her life. She knows that she is not alone, that there is a higher purpose to her suffering. The fact that she is a "happy woman" despite her hardships is a testament to her resilience and her unwavering faith.
The Symbolism of the Cotton-Field
Another important element of "Mammy" is the symbolism of the cotton-field. Throughout the poem, the cotton-field serves as a metaphor for Mammy's life. She is "working out her soul" in the cotton-field, which suggests that she is not just laboring for her master, but also for her own spiritual well-being. The cotton itself is a symbol of the slave trade, a reminder of the brutal system that uprooted families and destroyed lives.
The cotton-field is also a symbol of Mammy's resilience. She is able to take something that is associated with pain and suffering and turn it into a source of strength. She is like the cotton plant itself, which can survive in harsh conditions and still produce a harvest.
The Imagery of Light and Dark
Finally, "Mammy" makes use of powerful imagery to convey the contrast between light and dark, good and evil. Throughout the poem, Mammy is associated with light and goodness, while her master is associated with darkness and evil. In the second stanza, we learn that Mammy's master is "mean and low," while Mammy herself has a "heart o' gold." This contrast is reinforced in the fourth stanza, where Mammy is described as a "sunny woman" who brings light into the lives of those around her:
Jest to see Mammy's twinklin' smile
Make you feel so grand,
Jes' to hear Mammy's laughin' voice
Make you understand.
The imagery of light is particularly powerful here. Mammy's smile and laughter are like rays of sunshine in a dark world. They remind us that even in the midst of suffering, there is still beauty and joy to be found.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Mammy" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through its themes of resilience, symbolism of the cotton-field, and imagery of light and dark, the poem reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope. Mammy's unwavering faith and her ability to find joy in the midst of suffering are an inspiration to us all. As we read Service's poem, we are transported to a different time and place, but we also recognize the universal truth of Mammy's story. Her strength and her spirit live on, reminding us that no matter what challenges we face, we too can find the courage to persevere.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Mammy: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you are a fan of poetry, you must have heard of Robert Service, the famous Canadian poet who wrote some of the most memorable poems of the 20th century. One of his most popular works is the poem "Poetry Mammy," which is a tribute to the power of poetry and the role it plays in our lives. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and significance.
The poem "Poetry Mammy" is a celebration of the transformative power of poetry. The speaker of the poem is a young boy who is fascinated by the world of poetry and the way it can transport him to different places and times. He describes his love for poetry in vivid detail, using metaphors and similes to convey the depth of his passion. For him, poetry is like a "magic carpet" that can take him anywhere he wants to go, from the "land of Nod" to the "land of Nevermore."
The title of the poem, "Poetry Mammy," is significant because it suggests that poetry is like a mother figure who nurtures and cares for us. The speaker of the poem sees poetry as a source of comfort and guidance, much like a mother who provides love and support. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as the speaker describes how poetry has helped him through difficult times and given him hope for the future.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a playful and lighthearted tone. The use of repetition and alliteration also adds to the musicality of the poem, making it a joy to read aloud. The language is simple and accessible, which makes it easy for readers of all ages to understand and appreciate.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. The speaker uses vivid and evocative images to describe the power of poetry, such as "a silver stream that sings and sings" and "a rainbow bridge that spans the sky." These images create a sense of wonder and enchantment, drawing the reader into the world of poetry and inviting them to explore its mysteries.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea that poetry can help us to connect with others and understand their experiences. The speaker describes how poetry has allowed him to "meet the kings and queens of old" and "walk with heroes brave and bold." Through poetry, he has been able to enter into the lives of others and see the world from their perspective. This is a powerful reminder of the empathy and compassion that poetry can inspire in us, and the way it can bring us closer to our fellow human beings.
In conclusion, "Poetry Mammy" is a classic poem that celebrates the transformative power of poetry. Through its vivid imagery, playful language, and evocative themes, it invites us to explore the world of poetry and discover its many wonders. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to inspire and delight you. So why not take a few minutes to read it today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
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