'Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches' by Mary Barber
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What is it our mamma's bewitches,
To plague us little boys with breeches ?
To tyrant Custom we must yield,
Whilst vanquish'd Reason flies the field.
Our legs must suffer by ligation,
To keep the blood from circulation ;
And then our feet, tho' young and tender,
We to the shoemaker's surrender ;
Who often makes our shoes so strait,
Our growing feet they cramp and fret ;
Whilst, with contrivance most profound,
Across our insteps we are bound ;
Which is the cause, I make no doubt,
Why thousands suffer in the gout.
Our wiser ancestors wore brogues,
Before the surgeons brib'd these rogues,
With narrow toes, and heels like pegs,
To help to make us break our legs.
Then, ere we know to use our fists,
Our mothers closely bind our wrists ;
And never think our cloaths are neat,
Till they're so tight we cannot eat.
And, to increase our other pains,
The hatband helps to cramp our brains.
The cravat finishes the work,
Like bowstring sent from the Grand Turk.
Thus dress, that should prolong our date,
Is made to hasten on our fate.
Fair privilege of nobler natures,
To be more plagu'd than other creatures !
The wild inhabitants of air
Are cloath'd by heav'n with wondrous care :
Their beauteous, well-compacted feathers
Are coats of mail against all weathers ;
Enamell'd, to delight the eye ;
Gay as the bow that decks the sky.
The beasts are cloath'd with beauteous skins :
The fishes arm'd with scales and fins ;
Whose lustre lends the sailor light,
When all the stars are hid in night.
O were our dress contriv'd like these,
For use, for ornament, and ease !
Man only seems to sorrow born,
Naked, defenceless, and forlorn.
Yet we have Reason to supply
What nature did to man deny :
Weak Viceroy ! Who thy pow'r will own,
When Custom has usurp'd thy throne ?
In vain did I appeal to thee,
Ere I would wear his livery ;
Who, in defiance of thy rules,
Delights to make us act like fools.
O'er human race the tyrant reigns,
And binds them in eternal chains.
We yield to his despotic sway,
The only monarch all obey.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Charm of Mary Barber's "Poetry, Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches"
Poetry is a genre of literature that is unique in its ability to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences in a way that is both profound and beautiful. It is a form of art that has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to make us see the world in a different way. Mary Barber's poem "Poetry, Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches" is a perfect example of the power of poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the charm of this classic poem, analyzing its themes, literary devices, and stylistic choices.
Historical Background
Mary Barber was a prominent 18th-century Irish poet who lived from 1685 to 1755. She was the daughter of a linen-draper and was born in Dublin, Ireland. Barber was a self-taught poet who gained recognition for her works, which often centered on domestic themes and relationships. Her poem "Poetry, Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches" was first published in 1737 and has since become one of her most famous works.
Themes
The poem "Poetry, Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches" is a celebration of a young boy's transition from childhood to adulthood. It is a poem that is filled with themes of growth, maturity, and independence. As the boy puts on his breeches, he is taking his first steps towards becoming a man. The poem captures the beauty and wonder of this moment, highlighting the importance of growth and change in life.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of motherhood. The narrator, who is the mother of the young boy, takes on a maternal role in the poem. She is both proud and protective of her son, watching over him as he takes his first steps towards independence. The poem celebrates the bond between mother and child, highlighting the beauty of this relationship.
Literary Devices
One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is the use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions that paint a picture of the young boy as he puts on his breeches. The opening lines of the poem, "My Son, this perfect little toy, / With feet that scarcely reach the floor," create an image of a young child who is small and innocent. As the poem progresses, the imagery shifts to focus on the boy's physical appearance. The lines "How plump and round thy little rump, / How soft thy knees, how smooth thy skin!" highlight the physical changes that are occurring as the boy grows up.
Another literary device that is used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "grown a man" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of growth and independence. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of momentum, as if the boy is growing and changing before our eyes.
Stylistic Choices
One of the most striking stylistic choices in the poem is the use of rhyme. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which creates a musical quality to the verse. The rhyming couplets give the poem a sense of formality, which is fitting given the subject matter. The use of rhyme also helps to create a sense of continuity throughout the poem, linking the different stanzas together.
Another stylistic choice that is used in the poem is the use of personification. The narrator personifies the boy's breeches, describing them as "a garment fair and free." This personification creates a sense of whimsy in the poem, adding a playful quality to the verse.
Interpretation
"Poetry, Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of childhood. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of growth and change in life. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and personification, the poem captures the magic of this moment in time. As the young boy puts on his breeches, he is taking his first steps towards adulthood, and the poem encourages us to embrace this process of growth and change.
At the same time, the poem also celebrates the bond between mother and child. The narrator takes on a maternal role throughout the poem, highlighting the importance of this relationship. The poem is a reminder of the love and support that mothers provide to their children, and it encourages us to cherish this relationship.
In conclusion, "Poetry, Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches" is a charming and beautiful poem that captures the magic of childhood. Through its vivid imagery, repetition, and personification, the poem celebrates the beauty of growth and change, while also highlighting the importance of the bond between mother and child. It is a testament to the power of poetry, and a classic work of literature that continues to inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches: A Timeless Classic
Mary Barber's Poetry Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of readers for centuries. This beautiful poem is a celebration of a young boy's transition from childhood to manhood, as he puts on his first pair of breeches. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem, and why it continues to resonate with readers today.
Themes
The central theme of this poem is the passage of time and the transition from childhood to adulthood. The poem begins with the mother's realization that her son is growing up and that he is no longer a child. She reflects on the memories of his childhood, and how quickly time has passed. The poem is a celebration of this transition, as the mother watches her son put on his first pair of breeches, a symbol of his growing maturity.
Another theme in the poem is the relationship between mother and son. The mother's love for her son is evident throughout the poem, as she watches him grow and mature. She is proud of him and wants to celebrate this important milestone in his life. The poem is a testament to the bond between mother and son, and how it evolves over time.
Structure
The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of rhyme and meter creates a sense of rhythm and flow, which adds to the beauty of the poem.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the theme of the poem. The second stanza describes the mother's memories of her son's childhood, and how quickly time has passed. The third stanza is a celebration of the son's transition to manhood, as he puts on his first pair of breeches.
Language
The language of the poem is simple and elegant, with a focus on imagery and emotion. The use of imagery creates a vivid picture of the scene, as the mother watches her son put on his breeches. The language is also emotive, with a focus on the mother's feelings of love and pride for her son.
One of the most striking features of the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "my son" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the mother's love and connection to her child. The repetition of this phrase also highlights the theme of the passage of time, as the mother reflects on how quickly her son has grown.
Another feature of the language is the use of metaphor. The breeches are a metaphor for the son's growing maturity and transition to manhood. The mother describes the breeches as "manly vestments," which symbolize the son's new role as a young man.
Why it Resonates
The reason why this poem continues to resonate with readers today is because it captures a universal experience that we can all relate to. The transition from childhood to adulthood is a significant milestone in everyone's life, and this poem celebrates that moment in a beautiful and poignant way.
The poem also speaks to the enduring bond between mother and son, which is a relationship that is cherished by many. The mother's love for her son is a powerful emotion that is felt by readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Finally, the poem's language and structure are timeless, and its themes are universal. The use of rhyme and meter creates a musical quality that is pleasing to the ear, and the imagery and metaphor create a vivid picture of the scene. The poem's simplicity and elegance make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Barber's Poetry Written for my Son ... at his First Putting on Breeches is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of the passage of time, the relationship between mother and son, and the transition from childhood to adulthood are universal experiences that we can all relate to. The poem's language and structure are elegant and timeless, and its message is one of love, pride, and celebration. This beautiful poem is a testament to the enduring bond between mother and son, and it will continue to be cherished by readers for generations to come.
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