Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Younger Sister," poet laureate Andrew Motion addresses the complex legacy of Princess Margaret, focusing on her death as a conduit to explore themes of privilege, suffering, and the human condition. The poem is as much about public perception as it is about the private individual, navigating the gulf between royalty and commonality to arrive at universal truths about love, loss, and duty.

Motion initiates the poem with a nod to "luxuries" and "privilege," acknowledging the disparities between Princess Margaret's life and those of the general populace. He doesn't shy away from noting that these advantages "drove a wedge" between her and the common people. This opening establishes a form of conflict but also serves as a set-up for what follows-a dissolution of this perceived gap.

The transition from delineation to universality is executed smoothly with the lines, "Of how no privilege on earth can keep / A life from suffering in love and loss." Here, Motion introduces the theme of human vulnerability, a condition not mitigated by status or wealth. The notion of 'suffering in love and loss' serves as an equalizer, bridging the 'current' between Princess Margaret and the people. In doing so, Motion implicitly argues for a shared human experience that transcends social and economic divides.

The poem also employs the concept of death as a universalizing force. The passing of Princess Margaret is depicted as her "final human act," underlining the inevitable fate that awaits us all, regardless of our earthly standing. Motion uses her death to make poignant observations about family dynamics and human relationships, noting how Margaret, a "daughter," has died before her mother, and as a "younger sister," has preceded her sibling in death. These observations serve to humanize the princess, placing her within familial roles that are relatable to many.

One of the most evocative lines in the poem is its conclusion: "That love and duty speak two languages." This line encapsulates the crux of Princess Margaret's life as understood by Motion-a life often torn between personal desires and public responsibilities. The notion of 'two languages' metaphorically captures the conflicting demands and expectations placed upon her, and by extension, anyone who finds themselves in a similar quandary.

Stylistically, the poem employs a straightforward structure and a sober tone, eschewing ornate language or complex metaphors. This simplicity serves the poem well, allowing the themes and sentiments to take center stage. The rhyme scheme (ABABCC) lends a sense of order and finality, matching the subject matter's gravitas.

In summary, "The Younger Sister" is a nuanced reflection on the life and death of Princess Margaret, offering a balanced portrayal that acknowledges both her privileges and her universal human experiences. Through its carefully chosen themes and sentiments, the poem serves as a testament to the complex interplay between public persona and private individual, between privilege and common suffering, and between love and duty. It achieves this while maintaining an accessibility that allows the poem to resonate deeply, both as a specific elegy and as a broader meditation on the human condition.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...