Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On the Receipt of My Mother's Picture [Out of Norfolk]" is a poem by William Cowper, written in 1798.

Content:

"On the Receipt of My Mother's Picture" is a poem that reflects on the emotions of receiving a portrait of the poet's deceased mother. The poem expresses the poet's sadness at the loss of his mother and the comfort he finds in the memory of her. It also reflects on the power of art to evoke memories and emotions.

Context:

William Cowper was a prominent English poet who lived during the late 18th century. "On the Receipt of My Mother's Picture" was written in response to the receipt of a portrait of Cowper's mother after her death. The poem reflects on the emotional impact of the portrait on Cowper and the role that art can play in preserving memories and emotions.

Form and Style:

The poem is written in six stanzas, each with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABABCC) and meter (iambic pentameter). It has a melancholy and reflective tone, with vivid and descriptive language that conveys the depth of the poet's emotions.

Poetic Elements:

• Imagery: Cowper uses vivid and descriptive imagery throughout the poem to convey the power of art to evoke memories and emotions, including imagery of "penciled lines," "living grace," and "beaming eyes."
• Metaphor: Cowper uses the metaphor of the portrait as a symbol of the power of art to preserve memories and emotions, emphasizing the comfort he finds in the memory of his mother.
• Personification: Cowper personifies the portrait, describing it as a living presence that evokes the memory of his mother.
• Alliteration: Cowper uses alliteration throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, and to emphasize the emotional impact of the portrait.

Summary:

"On the Receipt of My Mother's Picture" is a poem that reflects on the power of art to evoke memories and emotions, and emphasizes the importance of preserving memories of loved ones. Its melancholy and reflective tone, combined with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, make it a moving tribute to the memory of the poet's mother, and a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art to capture the human experience. The poem's message of remembrance and the power of art has resonated with readers for centuries, making it a lasting testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...