Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mother and Poet; Turin, After the News from Gaeta, 1861"is a powerful and heart-wrenching poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It is written in the form of a dramatic monologue and tells the story of a mother who has lost both of her sons to the war in Italy.

The poem begins with the mother, who is also a poet, describing the beauty of Turin and the sorrow that has come upon her with the news of her sons' deaths. She expresses her deep grief and her inability to find solace in anything around her. She mourns the loss of her sons and the pain that their deaths have caused her.

The mother then turns her attention to her sons and describes their bravery and their devotion to the cause of Italian independence. She describes their death in battle and the pain that they must have experienced in their final moments. She also speaks of the sacrifices that mothers make for their children and how the loss of a child is the greatest pain a mother can bear.

The poem then takes a political turn, as the mother questions the justification of war and the power that drives it. She speaks out against the idea of war as a means of resolving conflicts and asks why mothers must suffer the loss of their sons in order to fulfill the ambitions of men.

The poem ends on a note of defiance and hope, as the mother vows to continue her work as a poet and to use her words to create a better world. She speaks of the power of love and the importance of finding peace and unity in a world torn apart by war and violence.

Poetic essential elements:

• Imagery: The poem uses vivid descriptions of Turin, the war, and the mother's emotions to create powerful imagery that captures the reader's attention.
• Symbolism: The mother's role as a poet is a symbol of the power of words to create change and inspire hope.
• Tone: The poem has a melancholic tone that reflects the mother's grief and the sadness of the situation. However, it also has a tone of defiance and hope that suggests a belief in a better future.

In conclusion, "Mother and Poet; Turin, After the News from Gaeta, 1861" is a poignant and powerful poem that explores the pain and grief of a mother who has lost her sons to war. It is a powerful commentary on the human cost of conflict and the need for peace and unity in a world torn apart by violence. The poem's use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and tone all work together to create a powerful and emotionally resonant work of art.

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