|
(2016
midterm assignment) Sample Student Midterm Answers 2016 (index to #2 samples) #2a: Short Essay (Favorite Passage) |
 |
Kelly
Arnold
The Metaphor Song
Throughout this course we have had some interesting readings.
One of my favorite readings has been the poem, “In Reference to her
Children” by Ann Bradstreet. This
poem has a way of speaking to the heart of the reader.
I am not a mother yet, but as a daughter I can feel the emotion of a
mother through the use of metaphor within this poem.
Bradstreet writes a story of her children.
In the beginning of the poem she informs her reader that she has eight
children, four were boys and four girls. She
writes, “ I had eight birds hatched in
one nest, Four Cocks were
there, and Hens the rest. I nursed
them up with pain and care, No cost nor labour did I spare.” The use of metaphor
here allows the reader to connect to her immediately.
It makes a personal connection whether you have children, want to have
children, or are someone’s child.
This stanza makes me think of my own mother, and how she took care of my brother
and me. She did whatever she needed
to do to take care of us.
Bradstreet’s use of metaphor throughout this poem I believe is what makes
it so relatable. From the beginning
the reader knows that she is talking about her children through the reference of
the birds in her nest. As the poem
goes on she discusses how each bird takes “their flight”.
This is a flight that ever mother at some point in their lives
experience. This also gives a child
an idea of what their parents feel when they leave home for the first time.
So it doesn’t matter what role you take in reading this poem, you are
able to relate. When children leave
home for the first time I can imagine that it is difficult for a mother or
parent to let go. Bradstreet
informs the reader how this is affecting her through statements like
“mournful chirps” and “birds weeping” in stanza two and eight.
In stanza thirteen I feel like I can relate as a married woman with a
future of having children.
Bradstreet writes,
“When
each of you shall in your nest, Among
your young ones take your rest,
In chirping languages oft them tell, You had a Dame that lov'd you well,
That did what could be done for young, And nurst you up till you were strong,
And 'fore she once would let you fly, She showed you joy and misery,
Taught what was good, and what was ill, What would save life, and what
would kill.”
This
stanza gives me a picture of myself sharing the love of my own mother to my
children. How she loved me, raised
me, and taught me everything I know. Bradstreet I believe wants her readers to
make these personal connections. It
makes her writing more personal and enjoyable.
After discussing this poem in class, and analyzing the metaphoric
references throughout the poem, I have to say this has become a favorite.
Ann Bradstreet’s poem reads like a song.
I find myself carried through the poem in a melodic way.
As a daughter, I read this poem with my mother in my heart and mind.
I know that she has had many of the thoughts and feelings expressed
throughout the poem. I was able to
connect with this poem because Bradstreet does such a great job of using
metaphors to draw you into her writing.
