Become Visible in 1795. I believe she was trying to show he beauty and wonder of pregnancy to all audiences, as the topic as a bit taboo (as it is still slightly today).
Personally I have never had any desire to birth a child. Mainly because I
find it a bit intrusive and unsettling that something can embed itself inside of you and grow off of
draining what it needs from the host. Basically it’s a parasitic situation till it is born and I find no
attraction in that. So going into reading this poem I was hesitant. And then something beautiful
happened, I laughed aloud as I read “Germ of new life,” (327). She called the child growing a germ.
Historically speaking women did not have great sex education, even though they know the “how to”
they didn’t always know the stages and sciences. So for Barbauld to reference a germ (one of the
smallest organisms) it was quite refreshing and created hope that I wasn't just going to be reading
about a little miracle that’s plump and perfect.
The language choice of the poem is very captivating. It mixes an emotional dialect of love for a child
and wondering about the life growing inside. It combines these emotions with the idea of science in
the mention of changing of the seasons “And see, the genial season’s warmth to share, Fresh
younglings shoot, and opening roses glow.” (327). This passage could also be seen as an artistic
and subtle (metaphorical) reference to the actual act of giving birth. The season could be the time for
the child to come, and the opening rose could be the opening cervix. This thought is somewhat
backed by the next lines that say “Swarms of new life exulting fill the air,- Haste, infant bud of being,
haste to blow!”. The reason for these metaphors and choices of words are linked to the authors
meaning, as she is explaining a woman's experience and awe during the process of growing life
inside of her. She is bridging the connection between the vast complexities of mother earth birthing
nature, and a new mother whose nature allows birthing which is just as amazingly complex. So much so that only a woman can do it, and it has not since been replicated synthetically.
Hi Savannah, I agree it came see to be a little unsettling that there is something growing in you that needs you to grow and survive, but now that I am a mother there is so much beautiful and awe in the fact that you are a part of the beautiful mystery of life. That you get to play a role in a miracle. Like you said, it's amazingly complex. I also love the fact that you pointed out she is truthful in her description of being pregnant, calling the baby a "germ". I love the language she uses as you pointed out. Enjoyed your analysis, I could do nothing but smile all the way through.
ReplyDeleteHey Savannah,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting insight on this poem. I've never heard someone explain pregnancy as "a parasitic situation". I am currently pregnant so that kind of creeped me out (I'm literally laughing out loud right now). But I'd have to still disagree with you on that. Pregnancy is an EXTREMELY God like experience...we create life! I guess the baby being a "parasite" makes sense in a way but not if you think about it naturally, it's a baby! A human being; not a bug or parasite "causing harm". But I'm not bashing your perspective, this was a very fun change in perspective for me. But back to your analysis, you did a great job in connecting literary devices to the poem so it doesn't sound like a summary but an actual analysis. Great job and thank you for giving me a different perspective of others on pregnancy!
Hi Savannah,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your close reading of this poem. I’d have to say I am also quite turned off by the idea of pregnancy and childbirth, but I’m glad you were able to keep an open mind while reading this poem. I really liked all the connections that you made to what was being said in the poem to what meaning those words could actually have.