Poetry · Character

Love

The Father of Love, addressed as the ground of fatherhood at the great world's core, who loves the soul not for what it is but for what it shall be.

supporting

Also known as the Father of Love

First appearance: love s ordeal

As a supporting figure in Poetry, Love is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The father is addressed as the recipient of the speaker's gratitude and is credited with fostering the sense that fatherhood is at the core of the world.

In the storyTo My FatherOpen this moment free

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Love is the divine father invoked in 'To My Father' and 'In the Night,' the one whose living self bred the sense that fatherhood is at the great world's core. The tension he holds is the soul's doubt — 'He cannot love poor thee' — answered by the conviction that what can be drawn and wooed and turned from ill is what his father made for good. He matters because he reframes the whole book's argument: that love precedes worth, and that the dead seed's growth is the Father's work, not the seed's achievement.

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Character Web

39 connections

A slice of how Love sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Religious and Mythological Figures
Diverse Allegorical and Named Characters
Personified Natural Elements

+34 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the speaker tu…

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In the story

Love appears across 35 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

To My Father
The father is addressed as the recipient of the speaker's gratitude and is credited with fostering the sense that fatherhood is at the core of the world.
A Hidden Life
Referenced as the Father of Love, associated with divine comfort.
A Book of Dreams
Referred to as the Father who waits at the door of the childhood home and later as the one who welcomes the weary man back to the throne.
To A. J. Scott: When, Long Ago, the Daring of My Youth
Throned in Scott's heart as queen, without a mate.
The Hills
Referred to as 'my Father' whose throne the speaker seeks and whose footsteps are found in the stone.
Longing: Away from the City’s Herds!
The beloved companion the speaker yearns to be with by the sea.
My Eyes Make Pictures
Implied as the father whose house the speaker joyfully nears, representing home and belonging.
Hope Deferred: Summer Is Come Again. The Sun Is Bright
Invoked as the binding force that keeps the circle of hearts enchanted and gay, and as the lord of the living who transcends age.
Songs of the Winter Nights
The father figure who provides corn to partridges and is remembered with deep affection.
Summer Song
The beloved addressed in the poem, whose love is declared eternal.
Willie's Question
The Father, who represents divine wisdom and guidance, patiently instructs Willie on the true nature of greatness through humble service and obedience.
November
Mentioned as 'Father of loves' in the context of divine love and the ultimate return to God.
The Haunted House
Invoked as 'Love, the all-shining' that will kill Despair.
In the Winter
Implied as 'Love’s summer-wind' blowing in a truth-irradiate zone.
Who Would Have Thought?
Personified as the green earth and celestial air, the source of life and music.
With a Copy of “In Memoriam”
Referenced as 'his love who can restore all losses,' implying a divine or ultimate love.
December 23, 1879
Implied as the Father whose will is to be heeded by the obedient child.
December 27, 1879
Portrayed as the central figure whose song is constant, tender-strong, and overcomes fear, hate, and doubt.
Song: I Was Very Cold
Personified love, growing old with the speaker and later reconciled.
The Old Castle
The father at whose door the children are brought, representing a loving, welcoming presence.
To Any Friend
The Father whose door the speaker seeks and whose arm offers ultimate embrace.
Love Is Home
Addressed as the faithful creator and heart-longed-for father, the central figure of the poem.
Two in One
Implied as the Lord in whose heart the two thoughts reside.
Bedtime
Referred to as 'the Father' who comes with soft tread to carry the adults to bed, symbolizing divine care.
How Shall He Sing Who Hath No Song
Love is depicted as longing to sing and ultimately sitting down by every hearth.
To G. M. T.
Referenced as the Father of Love whose love surpasses human understanding.
In Memoriam Lady Caroline Charteris
Referred to as 'Love's court' and 'the heart of all love'
Love's History
The central figure, personified as Love, who progresses through life stages from baby to aged, seeking connection and finally finding rest.
Lycabas
Referred to as the Father of Love, the destination of the radiant march.
Life-Weary
Implied as the host who stands and calls at the wide door, representing love's house and heart.
A Birthday-Wish
Addressed as 'love' in the opening line.
Lost but Safe
The father figure who knows the child is not in the house, providing comfort.
Much and More
Referred to as the 'love-creating lover' and 'love's keeper', the ultimate source and object of love.
To One Unsatisfied
Implied as the Father who alone provides rest.
The Girl That Lost Things
Referred to as 'the Father great of fathers' who cares for children and their toys.

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