The Mother’s Return

Dorothy Wordsworth's The Mother’s Return

Introduction

Dorothy Wordsworth's "The Mother's Return" is a poignant exploration of familial love, the passage of time, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions. This 1807 poem, often overshadowed by the works of her more famous brother William Wordsworth, deserves careful examination for its nuanced portrayal of childhood, maternal absence, and the anticipation of reunion. Through a meticulous analysis of its form, themes, and literary devices, we can uncover the depth of Wordsworth's insight into the human condition and her significant contribution to Romantic poetry.

Structure and Form

The poem consists of twelve stanzas, each a quatrain following an ABAB rhyme scheme. This regular structure mirrors the orderly passage of time described within the poem—a month of waiting, punctuated by daily routines and natural cycles. The consistent iambic tetrameter, occasionally interspersed with trimeter lines, creates a rhythmic cadence reminiscent of a lullaby or nursery rhyme, appropriate for a poem centered on children's experiences.

Wordsworth's choice of form is not merely aesthetic; it serves to underscore the poem's themes. The predictable rhythm and rhyme scheme provide a sense of security and continuity, much like the reassuring presence of a parent. However, the occasional disruption in meter—such as in the line "Louder and louder did he shout"—mirrors the emotional turbulence experienced by the children in their mother's absence.

Thematic Analysis

The Nature of Time and Waiting

Central to the poem is the concept of time and its perception. The opening stanza immediately establishes this theme: "A month, sweet Little-ones, is past / Since your dear Mother went away." For young children, a month can feel like an eternity, and Wordsworth masterfully captures this sense of prolonged waiting throughout the poem.

The contrast between the children's perception of time and the adult narrator's understanding is evident. While the narrator attempts to explain the journey in terms of "hills, and far-off towns, / And long, long vales to travel through," the eldest child remains "puzzled, sore perplexed." This juxtaposition highlights the gap between adult rationality and childish impatience, a recurring motif in Romantic poetry's exploration of innocence and experience.

Emotional Complexity in Childhood

Wordsworth's portrayal of the children's emotions is remarkably nuanced. The eldest child's reaction to the news of his mother's impending return is particularly telling: "Silent he stood; then laughed amain, / And shouted, 'Mother, come to me!'" This rapid shift from stoic silence to exuberant joy captures the complexity of a child's emotional world, challenging simplistic notions of childhood innocence.

The poem also explores the different ways children cope with absence. The elder boy struggles to comprehend the situation, while his sister "wars not with the mystery / Of time and distance, night and day." This contrast not only highlights individual differences in emotional processing but also touches on broader questions of gender and socialization in the early 19th century.

The Bonds of Humanity

Wordsworth's reference to "The bonds of our humanity" is a profound philosophical statement embedded within this domestic scene. It suggests that our connection to time, our experience of separation and reunion, and our capacity for joy and sorrow are fundamental aspects of the human condition. This universalizing tendency aligns with the Romantic interest in exploring the essence of human nature through everyday experiences.

Literary Devices and Imagery

Wordsworth employs a rich array of literary devices to enhance the poem's emotional resonance. The use of personification in lines such as "No strife disturbs his sister's breast" imbues the children's emotions with a sense of autonomy, as if feelings themselves were actors in this domestic drama.

The poem is replete with natural imagery, a hallmark of Romantic poetry. References to "green leaves on the hawthorn spray," "birds that build their nests and sing," and "lambs that in the meadow go" not only ground the poem in a specific rural setting but also serve as metaphors for growth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life—mirroring the anticipated return of the mother.

The evening star, mentioned near the poem's conclusion, serves as both a temporal marker and a symbol of hope and guidance. Its appearance signals the end of the day and the children's bedtime, but it also represents the constancy of natural cycles, offering reassurance that the mother's return is indeed imminent.

Narrative Perspective

The poem's narrator, presumably a caregiver or family member, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the events. Through this adult perspective, we gain insight into both the children's behavior and the broader significance of their experiences. The narrator's tone shifts subtly throughout the poem, from gentle explanation ("Nay, patience! patience, little boy") to empathetic observation ("I, too, infected by their mood, / I could have joined the wanton chase").

This narrative voice allows Wordsworth to explore the theme of adult responsibility in nurturing and guiding children through emotional challenges. The narrator's attempts to mediate the children's experience of time and absence reflect broader social concerns about education and child-rearing during the Romantic period.

Contextual Considerations

To fully appreciate "The Mother's Return," we must consider its historical and literary context. Written during a period of significant social and economic change in England, the poem reflects a growing interest in domestic life and childhood experiences. The focus on a rural, close-knit family unit can be seen as a response to increasing urbanization and industrialization.

Moreover, Dorothy Wordsworth's position as a female poet in the male-dominated Romantic movement adds another layer of significance to the work. Her intimate portrayal of domestic life and childhood emotions challenges the notion that these subjects were somehow less worthy of poetic treatment than the grand themes often tackled by her male contemporaries.

Conclusion

"The Mother's Return" stands as a testament to Dorothy Wordsworth's keen observational skills and her ability to find profound meaning in everyday occurrences. Through its careful exploration of childish emotions, the passage of time, and the bonds of family, the poem offers insights into the human condition that resonate well beyond its specific domestic setting.

Wordsworth's masterful use of form, imagery, and narrative perspective creates a work that is at once deeply personal and universally relatable. By focusing on the anticipation of a mother's return, she touches on fundamental aspects of human experience—love, separation, joy, and the complex interplay between time and emotion.

In the broader context of Romantic poetry, "The Mother's Return" represents a significant contribution to the period's exploration of childhood, nature, and human psychology. Its subtle complexity and emotional depth challenge us to reconsider Dorothy Wordsworth's place in the canon of English literature, suggesting that her work deserves as much critical attention as that of her more famous contemporaries.

As we reflect on this poem, we are reminded of the power of poetry to illuminate the most intimate corners of human experience, transforming the seemingly mundane into a source of profound insight and beauty. In Dorothy Wordsworth's capable hands, a simple domestic scene becomes a window into the very essence of what it means to be human, to love, and to belong.