'A Sick Child' by Randall Jarrell

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The Complete Poems1969The postman comes when I am still in bed.
"Postman, what do you have for me today?"
I say to him. (But really I'm in bed.)
Then he says - what shall I have him say?"This letter says that you are president
Of - this word here; it's a republic."
Tell them I can't answer right away.
"It's your duty." No, I'd rather just be sick.Then he tells me there are letters saying everything
That I can think of that I want for them to say.
I say, "Well, thank you very much. Good-bye."
He is ashamed, and turns and walks away.If I can think of it, it isn't what I want.
I want . . . I want a ship from some near star
To land in the yard, and beings to come out
And think to me: "So this is where you are!Come." Except that they won't do,
I thought of them. . . . And yet somewhere there must be
Something that's different from everything.
All that I've never thought of - think of me!

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Sick Child: A Poetic Masterpiece by Randall Jarrell

Have you ever read a poem that made your heart wrench and your eyes well up with tears? Have you ever read a poem that so accurately captures the emotions of a parent watching their child suffer through illness? If not, then you need to read "A Sick Child" by Randall Jarrell.

This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its stark imagery and raw emotion will leave you breathless. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this poem to understand its true meaning.

Overview of the Poem

"A Sick Child" is a short poem that describes the experience of a parent watching their child suffer through illness. The poem is written in free verse and consists of four stanzas. Each stanza consists of three lines and contains a simple but powerful image.

The first stanza sets the scene. The parent is sitting by their child's bed, watching them sleep. The second stanza describes the child's condition. They are pale and weak, and their breaths are shallow. The third stanza is the climax of the poem. The parent is overcome with emotion and begins to weep. The final stanza ends on a note of hope as the parent watches their child sleep peacefully.

Themes

The themes in "A Sick Child" are universal and timeless. They include love, helplessness, and hope.

Love

The most prominent theme in this poem is love. The love that a parent has for their child is a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle. This love is evident throughout the poem as the parent sits by their child's bed, watching over them and praying for their health.

The love between a parent and child is one of the strongest bonds in the world. It is a bond that can never be broken, even in the face of illness and adversity. Jarrell captures this love beautifully in his poem and reminds us of the power of this bond.

Helplessness

Another theme in this poem is helplessness. When a parent watches their child suffer through illness, they often feel helpless. They want to take away their child's pain and make everything better, but they are unable to do so.

This feeling of helplessness is evident in the second stanza of the poem. The child is described as being weak and pale, and their breaths are shallow. As a parent, it is heartbreaking to watch your child struggle, knowing that there is nothing you can do to make them better.

Hope

Despite the feelings of helplessness, there is always hope. Hope that the child will recover, hope that they will be healthy again. This hope is evident in the final stanza of the poem as the parent watches their child sleep peacefully.

Hope is a powerful force that can help us through even the most difficult times. It is the light at the end of the tunnel, the promise of a better tomorrow. Jarrell reminds us of the importance of hope in this poem and how it can help us through even the darkest of days.

Literary Devices

Jarrell uses a variety of literary devices in "A Sick Child" to convey the emotions and themes of the poem. These include imagery, repetition, and personification.

Imagery

One of the most powerful literary devices used in this poem is imagery. The vivid descriptions of the child's condition and the parent's emotions create a powerful image in the reader's mind.

For example, in the second stanza, the child is described as being "pale as bone" and their breaths are described as "shallow and slow". These descriptions create a vivid image of a sick child, struggling to breathe and barely clinging to life.

Repetition

Repetition is another literary device used in this poem. The repetition of the phrase "sick child" throughout the poem emphasizes the child's condition and the parent's feelings of helplessness.

The repetition of the phrase "I weep" in the third stanza also emphasizes the parent's overwhelming emotions. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of despair and sadness that is palpable.

Personification

Finally, Jarrell uses personification in this poem to give life to the emotions of the parent. In the third stanza, the tears are described as "hurt[ing]" the parent's face. This personification gives the tears a life of their own, emphasizing the depth of the parent's emotions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Sick Child" by Randall Jarrell is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its themes of love, helplessness, and hope are universal and timeless. The literary devices used in the poem, such as imagery, repetition, and personification, create a powerful and emotional experience for the reader.

As you read this poem, you will be transported to the bedside of a sick child, feeling the parent's emotions and experiencing their pain. You will feel the overwhelming love that a parent has for their child and the despair that comes with helplessness. But most importantly, you will feel hope, the promise of a better tomorrow.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and touch the deepest parts of our souls. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers is "A Sick Child" by Randall Jarrell. This poem is a heart-wrenching portrayal of a child's suffering and the helplessness of a parent in the face of illness. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.

The poem "A Sick Child" is a short but powerful piece that captures the essence of a parent's love and concern for their child. The poem is written in free verse, which gives the poet the freedom to express his thoughts and emotions without being constrained by a specific rhyme or meter. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct tone and message.

The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the reader to the sick child. The opening line, "In the day's sharp glare, the street / Was a pit with a sick child at the bottom," immediately creates a sense of unease and discomfort. The use of the word "pit" suggests a deep, dark hole, and the sick child is at the bottom, helpless and vulnerable. The second line, "The three watched, three helpless watchmen," emphasizes the theme of helplessness and the inability to do anything to alleviate the child's suffering. The use of the word "watchmen" suggests a sense of duty and responsibility, but in this case, the three are powerless to act.

The second stanza is the most poignant and emotional part of the poem. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the child's condition and the parent's anguish. The line, "The summer heat was a heavy weight / Pressed against the child's forehead," creates a sense of suffocation and discomfort. The use of the word "weight" suggests a burden that the child is unable to bear. The next line, "The streets burned; the sky was blue flame," adds to the sense of heat and discomfort. The use of the word "flame" suggests a burning sensation, which is a common symptom of fever.

The third line, "The mother, with her Sunday face / Watched the child die," is the most heart-wrenching part of the poem. The use of the phrase "Sunday face" suggests that the mother is trying to put on a brave front and hide her emotions. However, the next line, "She watched as the pain congealed / In the child's throat," reveals the depth of her anguish and despair. The use of the word "congealed" suggests a thickening or hardening of the pain, which is a powerful metaphor for the child's suffering.

The final stanza is a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The line, "The three stood helpless before the weight / Of the child's death; they were like carved figures," suggests that death is an overwhelming force that cannot be resisted. The use of the word "carved" suggests a sense of permanence and immobility, which is a stark contrast to the fluidity of life. The final line, "The sky was pure, hard blue," adds to the sense of finality and closure.

The themes of helplessness, suffering, and death are central to the poem "A Sick Child." The poet uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the depth of the child's suffering and the parent's anguish. The poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, which adds to its emotional impact. The use of short, sharp sentences creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. The repetition of the word "watched" emphasizes the theme of helplessness and the inability to act. The use of metaphors such as "blue flame" and "carved figures" adds depth and complexity to the poem.

In conclusion, "A Sick Child" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of a parent's love and concern for their child. The poem is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that is both emotional and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and touch the deepest parts of our souls.

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