The Wife of Asdrubal

In contrast to the loving and kind motherly role as portrayed in "The Homes of England", Felicia Hemans describes yet another side; this one being deeper and darker. Having been a deserted daughter and wife of both a father and husband, it is not surprising that she creates such a passage. Metaphorically, Asdrubal parallels the actual representation of how the men in Felicia Hemans' life were not only selfish but inconsiderate.
"'....the mean things thou has done to save thy life shall not avail thee; thou shalt die this instant, at least in thy two children.'"(406) This verse reminds Asdrubal that even though he may feel heroic in saving his own life, the lives of his children will not be spared. This could have been the prime time for him to speak up and stop what was to come. "Fix'd is her eye on Asdrubal, who stands, Ignobly safe, amidst the conquering bands; On him, who left her to that burning tomb, Alone to share her children's martyrdom." (407) In comparison to her husband, she felt that her beloved children were the only noteworthy ones who would die for their country, in a sense dying to save something they loved and cherished.
"Bright in her hand the lifted dagger gleams, Swift from the children's hearts the life-blood streams; With frantic laugh she clasps them to the breast Whose woes and passions soon shall be at rest;" (408). It's hard to pinpoint the nature of the mother howbeit homicidal, retaliation, or compassionate. In the 8th podcast, Dr. Glance asks if we are to consider this nature positive? When considering the lost of a human being, especially a child, there can not possibly be an positive implication delivered. With the modern homicides inflicted upon children by their mothers, you can't help but to wonder "why?" This poem gives me insight on what appears to be a courageous and concerned single mother who refused to let her children suffer.
In conclusion, Ms. Hemans lets us readers know how the absent men in her life failed to put their families on the forefront and protect them. As Asdrubal chose to have his own life spared exclusive to that of his family.
She felt that as a mother the best thing that could be done was treating the children as though they were prized possessions, cherishing their lives, and doing the best to protect them.