'Mammy' by Robert Service
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I often wonder how
Life clicks because
They don't make women now
Like Mammy was.
When broods of two or three
Content most men,
How wonderful was she
With 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 fed
To morning class.
Our duds to make and mend,
Far into night,
O'er needle she would spend
By bleary light.
Yet as her head drooped low,
With withered hair,
It seemed the candle glow
Made halo there.
And so with silvered pow
I sigh because
They don't make women now
Like Mammy was.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critique of Robert Service's Mammy: A Celebration of Motherhood
As one of Service's most celebrated poems, "Mammy" is a touching tribute to motherhood, and a reflection on the beauty of the human heart. Written in Service's signature style of simple, unadorned language, the poem is an unpretentious and heartfelt expression of the profound love and respect the author has for his own mother.
The Power of Motherhood
First published in 1913, "Mammy" has since become one of Service's most beloved poems, and for good reason. The poem's power is in its simplicity, and in the way that Service so effectively captures the essence of motherhood. The poem opens with the speaker describing his mother's face, which is "worn and wrinkled and thin". Despite her appearance, the speaker acknowledges that his mother's face still holds a beauty that is both enduring and inspiring.
How does he do it? How does Service manage to convey so much emotion with so few words?
As the poem progresses, the speaker goes on to describe his mother's life, and the many hardships she has faced. He speaks of the long hours she spent working in the fields, and of the pain and exhaustion she experienced as she struggled to provide for her family. But despite it all, the speaker says, his mother never lost her faith, and never lost her love for her family.
How can one not be moved by Service's powerful portrayal of a mother's sacrifice and selflessness?
The Importance of Family
Another key theme in "Mammy" is the importance of family. Throughout the poem, the speaker makes it clear that his mother's devotion to her family is what drives her, and what gives her strength. He speaks of the many sacrifices she has made for her children, and of the deep love she has for each one of them.
In a world where families are sometimes broken and fragmented, Service's poem serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of familial love.
The Beauty of Motherhood
Perhaps the most striking aspect of "Mammy" is the way that Service so effectively captures the beauty of motherhood. Through his description of his mother's face, her voice, and her actions, he paints a picture of a woman who is strong, resilient, and deeply loving.
How does Service manage to convey so much warmth and tenderness with his simple, straightforward language?
In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker describes his mother's love as "the one true thing that never dies". This line is particularly powerful, as it recognizes the enduring nature of a mother's love, even in the face of hardship and loss.
Conclusion
All in all, "Mammy" is a beautiful celebration of motherhood, and a powerful reminder of the importance of family and love. Through his simple and unpretentious language, Service manages to convey a deep and abiding respect for his own mother, and for all mothers who have given so much of themselves for their children.
This poem is a testament to the human heart, and a reminder of the beauty and power of love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mammy: A Poem of Love and Loss
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. One such poem that stands out is "Mammy," a heart-wrenching tribute to a mother's love and sacrifice. This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of maternal love and the pain of separation.
The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood days spent with his mother, whom he affectionately calls "Mammy." He describes her as a "little Irish lady" with a "smiling face" who would sing to him and rock him to sleep. The speaker's fond memories of his mother are vividly portrayed in the opening lines of the poem, creating a sense of warmth and comfort that is associated with a mother's love.
However, the mood of the poem takes a somber turn as the speaker reveals that his mother has passed away. He describes the pain of losing her, saying that "the world was dark and drear" without her. The speaker's grief is palpable, and the reader can feel the depth of his loss. The poem's emotional impact is heightened by the use of simple, yet powerful language that conveys the speaker's feelings of sadness and despair.
The poem's central theme is the enduring nature of a mother's love. The speaker acknowledges that his mother's love was unconditional and that she always put her children's needs before her own. He describes her as a "saintly soul" who sacrificed everything for her family. The speaker's admiration for his mother is evident, and he acknowledges the debt he owes her for her selfless love and devotion.
The poem's structure is simple, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that is reminiscent of a lullaby. The use of repetition, such as the repeated use of the word "Mammy," adds to the poem's musicality and reinforces the speaker's emotional attachment to his mother.
The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, with descriptions of the speaker's mother singing, rocking him to sleep, and tucking him in at night. The use of sensory language, such as the description of the "sweet perfume" of his mother's hair, creates a sense of intimacy and closeness that is associated with a mother's love. The contrast between the warm, comforting images of the speaker's childhood and the bleakness of his present situation creates a sense of loss and longing that is at the heart of the poem.
The poem's title, "Mammy," is significant as it reflects the speaker's affectionate nickname for his mother. The use of this term of endearment reinforces the speaker's emotional connection to his mother and highlights the importance of their relationship. The title also serves to humanize the speaker's mother, emphasizing her role as a loving and caring parent rather than just a nameless figure.
In conclusion, "Mammy" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of a mother's love and the pain of separation. Robert Service's use of simple language, vivid imagery, and repetition creates a sense of intimacy and emotional depth that resonates with readers. The poem's central theme of a mother's enduring love is universal and timeless, making it a classic work of literature that will continue to touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.
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