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Mervyn Morris's poem, "Little Boy Crying," delves into the intricate dynamics of a father-son relationship, unraveling two significant themes: a father's unwavering love for his child and his earnest endeavor to steer his offspring onto the path of righteousness. Morris employs second-person narration and a palette of language techniques, including allusion and emotive words, to dissect the multifaceted layers of parent-child connections. The profound messages embedded in the poem resonate with the universal truths that parents love their children unconditionally and are committed to guiding them towards a virtuous life.
The initial stanza vividly captures the transformation of a lighthearted moment into a tense encounter between father and son.
The poet portrays the boy's initial relaxed demeanor, abruptly disrupted by his father's reprimand. The laughter that once graced the scene metamorphoses into anguished howls, signifying a stark shift in the child's emotional state. The father's perspective, narrated in the second person, reveals his concern for the boy's behavior as inappropriate, prompting him to administer a corrective slap.
The use of language in describing the three-year-old's frustration, "bright eyes swimming tears, splashing bare feet," paints a poignant picture of the child's vulnerability.
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Despite the father's seemingly harsh action, there is a nuanced understanding that the slap is not driven by anger but stems from a genuine desire to guide the child onto the right path in life. The subsequent line, "You stand there angling for a moment's hint of guilt or sorrow for the quick slap struck," unveils the father's internal conflict, as he grapples with the aftermath of disciplining his son.
This complexity adds depth to the poem, emphasizing that the father's intention is rooted in love rather than punitive anger.
The second stanza provides a shift in perspective, offering insight into the boy's imagination and his perception of his father as an imposing figure of cruelty. Through the lens of allusion, the poet likens the father to a heartless giant, an ogre devoid of empathy. The vivid imagery of an ogre towering above, "empty of feeling, a colossal cruel," encapsulates the child's disdain for his father's disciplinary actions.
The use of fairy tale references, particularly Jack and the beanstalk, illustrates the boy's desire for revenge against his father's perceived tyranny. The lines, "You imagine chopping clean the tree he's scrambling down or plotting deeper pits to trap him in," depict the child's fantastical rebellion, where he envisions himself as the heroic Jack seeking to thwart the giant ogre, symbolizing his strict father. This portrayal unveils the complexity of the father-son relationship, underscoring the child's struggle to reconcile his feelings of resentment with the underlying love and guidance provided by his father.
In the final stanza, Morris reaffirms the theme of paternal love despite the son's transgressions. The line, "You cannot understand, not yet," conveys the father's acknowledgment of the child's limited comprehension of the disciplinary actions. It emphasizes the father's awareness that the child is not mature enough to grasp the underlying intentions behind the punishment.
The poet unravels the layers of the father's character, revealing a dichotomy between stern discipline and a profound affectionate nature. The phrase, "This fierce man longs to lift you, curb your sadness with piggyback or bullfight, anything/ hidden behind that mask," exposes the father's internal struggle between being perceived as strict and his genuine desire to comfort and uplift his child. However, the poet poignantly notes, "But dare not ruin the lesson you should learn," highlighting the prioritization of disciplining the child over overt displays of affection. This choice, rooted in the father's love, underscores the necessity of imparting crucial life lessons, even at the expense of momentary emotional discomfort.
Conclusively, Mervyn Morris's "Little Boy Crying" serves as a poignant exploration of the intricate dynamics within parent-child relationships. Through the adept use of second-person narration and poignant imagery, the poet unravels the tapestry of a father's boundless love and the multifaceted nature of discipline. The poem transcends the specific narrative to impart a universal message: the importance of appreciating our parents, who navigate the delicate balance of love and guidance to shape our moral compass.
The final line, "You must not make a plaything of the rain," serves as a profound reminder of the overarching lesson the father seeks to impart. Much like parents worldwide, the poet emphasizes the significance of instilling values and steering children away from frivolous pursuits that may lead to tears. In essence, "Little Boy Crying" beckons readers to reflect on the enduring wisdom embedded in parental discipline, fostering a deep appreciation for the love and guidance that molds us into compassionate and responsible individuals.
Exploring Parental Love: Mervyn Morris's Little Boy Crying. (2016, Jul 29). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/child-parent-relationship-in-the-little-boy-crying-essay
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