An Analysis of Millay's "The Courage That My Mother Had"

Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem, "The Courage That My Mother Had," delves into complex emotions, showcasing a child's profound respect and admiration for its mother's courage, while also hinting at feelings of betrayal. Through intricate word choices and metaphors, the poem explores the theme of courage and its transference from one generation to another. In this analysis, we will dissect the poem, examining the symbolism of rocks and granite, the passing of courage, and the narrator's evolving emotions.

The Symbolism of Rock and Granite

The poem opens with a powerful comparison between the narrator's mother and a rock.

The mother is described as having "The courage that my mother had / Went with her, and is with her still" (Millay, lines 1-2). Here, the word "courage" is directly linked to the mother, emphasizing the central theme of the poem. The reference to courage being with the mother even after her passing suggests a lasting legacy.

Furthermore, the choice of the word "rock" in this context carries significant symbolism.

Get quality help now

Doctor Jennifer

Verified writer

Proficient in: Courage

5 (893)

“ Thank you so much for accepting my assignment the night before it was due. I look forward to working with you moving forward ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Rocks are known for their durability, strength, and immutability. In this context, the rock symbolizes the unwavering courage possessed by the narrator's mother. It implies that her courage was not easily shaken or eroded by life's challenges.

Additionally, the poem draws a parallel between the mother's courage and her New England heritage, suggesting that her resilience and determination were rooted in her upbringing. The mother is likened to a rock "quarried" from a lineage of equally strong-willed and courageous individuals (Millay, lines 3-4). This connection reinforces the idea that courage can be inherited and passed down through generations.

The Passing of Courage

As the poem progresses, the narrator expresses a sense of betrayal and loss regarding the mother's courage.

In line 11, the mother's courage is again compared to a rock, described as "A rock that only needs to be lifted / In the same way I should have been lifted" (Millay, lines 11-12). This comparison highlights the narrator's belief that the mother's courage should have been passed down to them, just as a rock is lifted and handed over.

However, the poem takes a poignant turn as it reveals that the mother has taken her courage with her to the grave. The line "But is gone forever from the hills" (Millay, line 13) signifies the irrevocable loss of the mother's courage. This revelation is a source of profound disappointment and resentment for the narrator.

The poem's title, "The Courage That My Mother Had," itself reflects the idea of inheritance and the narrator's expectation that they should have received a share of that courage. The word "had" implies that the courage was once possessed by the mother but is no longer accessible.

Evolving Emotions

What begins as a tribute to the mother's courage gradually transforms into a somber expression of the narrator's inner turmoil. Initially, the child holds its mother's courage in high esteem, viewing it as an enduring quality that should have been passed down. However, as the poem unfolds, a sense of indignation surfaces.

The narrator's anger and frustration stem from the belief that the mother's courage was taken to the grave, leaving them without the empowerment and strength they had hoped to inherit. This sense of abandonment and loss is palpable in the poem's tone and imagery.

Ultimately, "The Courage That My Mother Had" captures the intricate emotional landscape of the narrator's relationship with their mother. It highlights the child's deep admiration for the mother's unwavering courage, as well as the disappointment and resentment that arise when that courage is perceived as withheld.

Conclusion

Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem, "The Courage That My Mother Had," masterfully explores the themes of courage, inheritance, and evolving emotions. Through symbolism and metaphor, the poem conveys the profound respect the narrator holds for their mother's enduring courage. However, it also delves into the sense of betrayal and loss experienced when that courage is believed to be taken to the grave.

Ultimately, the poem offers a poignant reflection on the complex dynamics of familial relationships and the expectations we place on our loved ones. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of a mother's courage, even in its absence.