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In Judith Wright's poignant lyric poem "Woman to Child," the profound emotions tied to pregnancy and motherhood find eloquent expression. Contrary to the conventional portrayal of pregnancy as discomforting, Wright masterfully conveys it as a transformative, joyous, and continuous journey. This emotional narrative unfolds through the poem's distinct four-stanza structure and the adept use of figurative language, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the theme of maternal love.
Wright strategically employs a four-stanza structure, guiding readers through the intricate path of maternity, from conception to the birth of the child.
In the initial stanza, the act of fertilization takes center stage, as indicated by the line, "where out of the darkness rose the seed" (2). Here, the speaker exudes pride in her ability to create life, viewing her sexuality as a profound gift. The ensuing line, "Then all a world I made in me" (3), suggests not only the woman's unborn child as her world but also the idea that giving life is synonymous with bestowing the world upon her progeny.
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“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”
This sentiment is reinforced with, "all the world you hear and see / hung upon my dreaming blood" (4-5), emphasizing the profound connection between the mother and her unborn child.
The subsequent stanza delves into the early stages of pregnancy, where the mother and child embark on their eternal relationship. The speaker, feeling a newfound power, draws a parallel between her creation and the divine act of God in creating the earth: "There moved the multitudinous stars, / and the coloured birds and fishes moved" (6-7).
This cosmic imagery not only highlights the colossal change in the woman's life but also suggests a shift in her perspective on existence. Despite her care for the unborn child, a subtle detachment lingers, evident in the line, "and love that knew not its beloved" (10), signifying a relationship not yet fully blossomed.
The third stanza marks a heightened bond between the mother and her unborn child, signifying the culmination of the pregnancy. Here, the child becomes the focal point of the mother's world, creating a reciprocal relationship: "O node and focus of the world" (11). The subsequent line, "I hold you deep within that well" (12), carries dual interpretations. It could denote the physical act of enclosing the baby in the womb, reinforcing the mother as the center of the child's world. Simultaneously, it suggests an emotional shelter, wherein the mother vows to forever cradle the child within her own soul. The line "shall escape and not escape" (13) further emphasizes the coexistence of a physical and emotional bond. While the child will physically depart from the mother's body, the emotional connection endures eternally.
The final stanza encapsulates the powerful act of labor and childbirth: "I wither and you break from me" (16). The speaker reiterates her role as a creator with the declaration, "I am the earth, I am the root, / I am the stem that fed the fruit" (18-19). This proclamation suggests that, though the child now possesses its own life, the mother remains the perpetual architect of that life. The poignant final line, "[I am] the link that joins you to the night" (20), adds complexity to the narrative. While affirming the bestowal of life, it subtly acknowledges that through this act, the child embarks on a journey toward mortality. This seemingly somber undertone imparts a sense of wholeness to the poem, completing the thematic circle that commences with conception and concludes with mortality.
In conclusion, Judith Wright's "Woman to Child" intricately explores the multifaceted journey of pregnancy and motherhood. Through a carefully structured four-stanza framework and the evocative use of figurative language, the poet skillfully unfolds the emotional layers of maternal love. From the initial pride of conception to the unveiled relationship between mother and child, and finally, the transformative culmination in childbirth, Wright captures the essence of this profound journey. In doing so, she provides readers with a nuanced perspective on the complexities and joys inherent in the experience of motherhood, transcending conventional portrayals and offering a timeless exploration of the eternal bond between a mother and her child.
Exploring Maternal Love in Judith Wright's "Woman to Child". (2022, Feb 12). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/a-literary-analysis-of-woman-to-child-by-judith-wright-essay
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