Maternity by Alice Meynell (1908)
"Maternity" is a poem written by Alice Meynell in 1903. The poem explores the themes of motherhood, identity, and the passage of time. Meynell reflects on the transformative power of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the emotional and physical changes that women experience during this time. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Meynell captures the intensity and beauty of motherhood, while also acknowledging its challenges and complexities. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the profound impact it can have on an individual's sense of self and purpose.
By Alice Meynell · First published 1908 · Genre: Feminist Literature, Social Commentary, Non-fiction · 68 words
First lines
One wept whose only child was dead,
New-born, ten years ago.
"Weep not; he is in bliss," they said.
She answered, "Even so,
What this Textopian page supports
Maternity is listed on Textopian as a poem by Alice Meynell, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Alice Meynell
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Feminist Literature, Social Commentary, Non-fiction, Autobiography, Inspirational
- Length: 68 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Maternity by Alice Meynell
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Maternity?
- How does this poem by Alice Meynell fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Feminist Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Woman by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Two Burdens by Alice Meynell
- Porter by Langston Hughes
- Benediction by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- She Is Overheard Singing by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Feminist Literature — Focuses on the role and experiences of women, particularly in the context of motherhood.
- Social Commentary — Addresses societal expectations and norms about motherhood and womanhood.
- Non-fiction — The book is based on Alice Meynell's thoughts and experiences, and doesn't feature a fictitious plot or characters.
- Autobiography — Meynell writes largely about her own experiences and perspectives as a woman and mother.
Tags
Poetry · Motherhood · Women · Identity · Emotions · Family · Relationships · Love · Birth · Femininity · Gender · Social Commentary
More by Alice Meynell
- Poems: SONNET -- MY HEART SHALL BE THY GARDEN (1903)
- Poems: SONNET -- THOUGHTS IN SEPARATION (1903)
- Poems: TO A POET (1903)
- Poems: SONG OF THE SPRING TO THE SUMMER: THE POET SINGS TO HER POET (1903)
- Poems: TO THE BELOVED (1903)
- Poems: MEDITATION (1903)
- Poems: TO THE BELOVED DEAD -- A LAMENT (1903)
- Poems: SONNET (1903)
- All works by Alice Meynell