Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Cuddle Doon" is a poem by Alexander Anderson, also known as the "Surfaceman Poet."
Anderson was a Scottish poet who worked as a surfaceman on the railways. His occupation and working-class background heavily influenced his poetry, which often reflected the struggles and concerns of the working class in Victorian society.

Anderson's poems often highlighted the harsh realities of working-class life, including poverty, labor conditions, and social inequality. He used his poetry to shed light on the challenges faced by ordinary people and to give voice to their experiences. Through his work, he aimed to capture the dignity, resilience, and spirit of the working class.

In "Cuddle Doon," Anderson portrays a domestic scene of a working-class family, emphasizing the love and care within their humble home. By depicting the everyday interactions between parents and children, he humanizes the working class and highlights their joys and hardships. The poem reflects Anderson's concern for the well-being and happiness of working-class families amidst the struggles they face.

The poem portrays a tender scene of a mother putting her children to bed at night. The mother attempts to settle her lively and mischievous children down to sleep as their father is about to come home.

The mother's attempts to quiet the children are met with requests for food and playful disruptions. Despite their antics, the mother lovingly attends to their needs and encourages them to settle down and cuddle in bed. She uses gentle words and blankets to comfort them, repeatedly urging them to "cuddle doon."

When the father arrives, the children quickly turn their faces to the wall and pretend to sleep. The father asks if the children have been good, and the mother reassures him that they are in bed and have already settled down. The poem concludes with the mother and father looking at their sleeping children and expressing their love for them. The mother whispers to her heart's content, "Oh, bairnies, cuddle doon."

The poem captures the warmth, love, and daily routines of a working-class family. It emphasizes the precious moments shared between parents and their children, despite the challenges and responsibilities of life. "Cuddle Doon" reflects Anderson's ability to find beauty and meaning in the ordinary aspects of life and his understanding of the joys and struggles of family life.

Overall, Alexander Anderson's poetry reflected his lifelong concerns for the working class, their struggles, and their hopes. Through his heartfelt and evocative verses, he aimed to bring attention to the social and economic issues faced by ordinary people, while also celebrating their resilience, love, and humanity.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...