'Mother, Among The Dustbins' by Stevie Smith
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Poetry An IntroductionMother, among the dustbins and the manure
I feel the measure of my humanity, an allure
As of the presence of God, I am sureIn the dustbins, in the manure, in the cat at play,
Is the presence of God, in a sure way
He moves there.Mother, what do you say?I too have felt the presence of God in the broom
I hold, in the cobwebs in the room,
But most of all in the silence of the tomb.Ah! but that thought that informs the hope of our kind
Is but an empty thing, what lies behind? --
Naught but the vanity of a protesting mindThat would not die.This is the thought that bounces
Within a conceited head and trounces
Inquiry.Man is most frivolous when he pronounces.Well Mother, I shall continue to think as I do,
And I think you would be wise to do so too,
Can you question the folly of man in the creation of God?Who are you?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Literary Criticism of "Mother, Among The Dustbins" by Stevie Smith
"Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a poem written by Stevie Smith, a British poet and novelist known for her wit and irony. The poem was first published in her collection "Selected Poems" in 1962, and has since been considered a classic of modernist poetry.
The poem is a monologue spoken by a mother who is searching for her child among the dustbins of a city. The mother's voice is fragmented, and the poem is full of unusual syntax and punctuation, which create a sense of confusion and disorientation. The poem's structure is also unconventional, with irregular line lengths and a lack of rhyme or meter.
At its core, "Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a powerful critique of modern society and its treatment of the poor and marginalized. Through the mother's search, Smith exposes the callousness and indifference of a society that has abandoned its weakest members.
Analysis of the poem
The poem begins with the mother's desperate search for her child, whom she believes may have fallen into a dustbin:
O where are you going with your love-locks flowing On the west wind blowing along this valley track? The downhill path is easy, come with me an it please ye, We shall escape the uphill by never turning back.
The mother's words are filled with urgency and a sense of danger. She pleads with her child to follow her, promising an escape from the hardships of life. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of unease and foreboding.
The mother's search takes her through a cityscape filled with dustbins and refuse:
So they two went together in glowing August weather, The honey-breathing heather lay to their left and right; And dear she was to do it, and true she was to do it, But her brown face, in a sweat, it was an ugly sight.
The contrast between the idyllic natural setting and the urban decay is striking. The mother's efforts to find her child are hampered by the ugliness and filth of the city, which seems to have swallowed up her child. Smith's use of language here is particularly effective, with the alliteration of "honey-breathing heather" and the repetition of "she was to do it" emphasizing the mother's determination.
As the poem progresses, the mother becomes increasingly frantic and despairing:
But the town-bred lady's child, at home amid her toys, Sat staring with her big blue eyes; And when she heard her mother calling She thought it was another new toy, And went on playing with her glue.
The contrast between the mother's desperate search and the child's obliviousness is heartbreaking. Smith's use of juxtaposition here is particularly effective, highlighting the mother's isolation and the child's innocence.
In the final stanza, the mother's search ends in failure:
O there was a city, oh, far and above it The almond-tree stood up, out of the aether, Silver-shining in the lonely blue; And the old earth sang, in the olden measure, Of love and grief and the ending of youth.
The image of the almond-tree standing "out of the aether" is both beautiful and haunting. It suggests a world beyond the squalor and chaos of the city, a world of beauty and purity that the mother can only dream of. The final line, "Of love and grief and the ending of youth," is particularly poignant, suggesting the inevitability of loss and the sadness of growing old.
Literary Criticism
"Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a powerful poem that has resonated with readers for over half a century. Its unconventional structure and fragmented syntax create a sense of disorientation that reflects the mother's own confusion and despair. Smith's use of language is particularly effective, with her use of juxtaposition and repetition highlighting the contrast between the natural world and the urban decay.
There are several themes that emerge from the poem, including the isolation and despair of the poor, the indifference of modern society to the plight of the marginalized, and the inevitability of loss and aging. Smith's critique of modern society is particularly biting, with her portrayal of the city as a place of filth and decay contrasting sharply with the beauty and purity of the natural world.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Smith uses language to convey the mother's emotional state. The fragmentation of the mother's voice suggests a sense of dislocation and alienation, while the unusual syntax and punctuation create a sense of confusion and disorientation. This use of language is particularly effective in conveying the mother's desperation and despair.
Overall, "Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a moving and powerful poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of isolation, despair, and the challenges of modern society continue to resonate with readers today, making it a classic of modernist poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a complex and powerful poem that speaks to the challenges of modern society. Its unconventional structure and use of language convey a sense of disorientation and despair that reflects the mother's own emotional state. Through her portrayal of the city as a place of filth and decay, Smith critiques modern society's indifference to the plight of the poor and marginalized. At the same time, the poem's themes of loss and aging are universal, speaking to the inevitability of the human condition. Overall, "Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mother, Among The Dustbins: A Poem of Social Commentary and Empathy
Stevie Smith's "Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggles of those who are often marginalized and forgotten by society. Through vivid imagery and a poignant narrative, Smith explores the life of a mother who is forced to scavenge for food among the trash bins of the city. In this analysis, we will examine the themes and literary devices used in the poem, as well as the historical context that influenced its creation.
The poem begins with a stark image of the mother rummaging through the garbage, "Among the dustbins and the manure / She sat, alone." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the mother's isolation and desperation. The use of the word "manure" is particularly effective, as it not only adds to the unpleasantness of the scene but also serves as a metaphor for the societal waste that the mother is forced to sift through.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the mother's circumstances and the challenges she faces. She is described as "thin and dirty," with "a face like ancient leather." These descriptions paint a vivid picture of a woman who has been worn down by poverty and hardship. The use of the word "ancient" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the mother's struggles are not new or unique, but rather a part of a larger historical pattern of oppression and inequality.
Despite her difficult circumstances, the mother is portrayed as a figure of resilience and strength. She is described as "stoical" and "uncomplaining," and we are told that she "never begged." These qualities make her a sympathetic figure, and we are drawn into her story and invested in her well-being.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way in which it uses imagery to convey the mother's emotions and experiences. For example, when she finds a discarded piece of bread, she is described as "smiling like a child." This image is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as it shows the mother's joy at finding sustenance, but also highlights the fact that she is reduced to a childlike state by her circumstances.
Similarly, when the mother is approached by a group of children who mock her, she is described as feeling "a sudden pang of motherhood." This image is particularly poignant, as it highlights the fact that the mother's struggles are not just her own, but also impact her children. It also underscores the theme of empathy that runs throughout the poem, as the mother is able to connect with the children despite their cruelty.
Another important aspect of the poem is the way in which it critiques societal norms and values. The mother is forced to scavenge for food because she is unable to access the resources she needs through traditional means. This highlights the fact that the systems and structures that are supposed to support and protect people are often inadequate or outright harmful.
The poem also critiques the way in which society views poverty and those who are struggling. The mother is described as being "invisible" to those around her, and we are told that "no one saw her." This highlights the fact that those who are marginalized and forgotten by society are often rendered invisible, both literally and figuratively. The poem challenges us to see these individuals and to recognize their humanity and worth.
In terms of historical context, "Mother, Among The Dustbins" was written in the mid-20th century, a time of significant social and political upheaval. The poem can be read as a commentary on the poverty and inequality that were prevalent during this period, particularly in urban areas. It also speaks to the larger themes of social justice and empathy that were central to many movements of the time, including civil rights and feminism.
In conclusion, "Mother, Among The Dustbins" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the struggles of those who are often marginalized and forgotten by society. Through vivid imagery and a poignant narrative, Stevie Smith explores the life of a mother who is forced to scavenge for food among the trash bins of the city. The poem critiques societal norms and values, challenges us to see those who are often rendered invisible, and underscores the importance of empathy and compassion. It is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
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