Felicia Hemans, the epiphany of a "prolific writer"(404) illustrously describes The Homes of England. Despite her highly educated nature which allowed her to receive the sarcastic titles of both "He-Man" and "Mrs. Hewoman's" (404), she refused to neglect the finer things of nature, the home.
The women of the 1700's time era were probably educators, nurturers, and protectors; aside from the ordinary homemakers. This poem is one in which mothers from all walks of life and decades to come can relate. Ms. Hemans writes about how a "woman's voice flows forth in song, or childhoods tale is told" (lines 13and 14, 412). From these lines, it is noted that the woman were educators for their young. As she marvels at the "pleasant land" (line 4, 412) outside the home, also acknowledges the "household love" (line 11, 412) created by her family inside. Ms. Hemans requests that her home, which she created, be protected by those who also love and respect the home as well (line 35, 412).
Due to her own failed marriage and that of her parents, Felicia Hemans appears to be very indepenent. This type of attitude must have been rarely displayed in this time era. Her behavior was emphasized through John Murray's unacceptance of "learned" women (404). I feel that this poem in retrospect, praises women. The initial quote "Where's the coward that would not dare to fight for such a land?"(412) makes me wonder if in fact she is speaking of actual soliders or to the men who were in her life. She could be questioning the integrity of the soliders in defending the land of England or very well questioning the character and the whereabouts of both her husband/father when protection is required for the household.
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Letisha,
ReplyDeleteI like how you put "The Homes of England" in context by writing about Felicia Heman's critical reception, the place of women in that society, and Heman's own failed marriages.
I agree with you that this poem "praises women", but I don't quite see the connection between her praising women and questioning the integrity of soldiers defending England. She seems very patriotic to me, because she seems to be praising every sort of dwelling in England, be it "hut or hall" (line 34). I took her question, "Where's the coward that would not dare to fight for such a land?" not as an accusation but as a point of pride. I saw the emphasis not on the coward but on "such a land"-I think Hemans has a very high opinion of England.
I'm sure there are many different interpretations of this poem; just thought I'd give my two cents. Good job overall!
Tisha,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! You did an excellent job picking out quotations from the text and explaining them from your own understanding. You also successfully found a connection between Hemans life and the characters in her poem. I like how you were also able to connect her homicide to modern day issues that are still pertinent to try to understand the situation better. I have one question for you, however, you made a point about how you think that even the children would die for their country. Do you really think that? Do you think they actually had a choice in the matter? The way I read the poem, it seemed as though the mother was taking that situation into her own hands. But I respect your interesting perspective!
Tisha,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see you posting on your blog, and thank you for your patience in waiting for me to respond to them.
Good focus in this initial post on this poem by Hemans, which was one of her most famous and most popular works. I like the way you connect passages in the poem to events in her life, particularly her troubled marriage. Your analysis is strongest when you base it on specific passages from the text, but less so when you rely on paraphrases and summaries of what she said. Be sure to proofread your wording and syntax in these posts and in your paper; for instance, your fist sentence uses the word "epiphany" for "epitome," and you refer to her "initial quote" but actually provide and comment on her final line in the poem. These little errors detract from your ideas, which are often perceptive here.