# Maternity explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on the ambivalence of motherhood, questioning whether bringing a child into a world of oppression and sorrow is a cause for pride or regret, and contemplates the desire to spare the child from suffering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Sacrifice

The mother's internal conflict between pride in her child and the fear of the suffering he will endure, highlighting the sacrificial nature of bringing life into a painful world.

### Suffering and Resilience

The child is described as a 'babe of sorrow,' and the mother contemplates the looming disgrace and oppression he will face.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker, a mother, expresses doubt and fear about her child's future in a hostile world.

### Life

The 'young life' of the child, whose future is threatened by prevalent conditions.

## Key lines

> Proud? Perhaps⁠—and yet I cannot say with surety That I am happy thus to be Responsible for this young life’s embarking.

I might feel proud, but I'm not certain I'm happy to be responsible for bringing this child into the world.

_The mother expresses doubt about the value of giving birth._

> Ah, did I dare Recall the pulsing life I gave, And fold him in the kindly grave!

If only I had the courage to take back the life I gave and bury him in a peaceful grave.

_The mother wishes she could spare her child from suffering by ending his life before it begins._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/maternity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters