MOTHER TO CHILD (Charlotte Perkins Gilman)

Name: MOTHER TO CHILD (Charlotte Perkins Gilman)
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

MOTHER TO CHILD (Charlotte Perkins Gilman) A woman, seated in an armchair, rocks her baby back and forth while staring into space with a vacant expression.

By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1896 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary · 728 words

First lines

How best can I serve thee, my child! My child! Flesh of my flesh and dear heart of my heart! Once thou wast within me -- I held thee -- I fed thee -- By the force of my loving and longing I led thee -- Now we are apart!

I may blind thee with kisses and crush with embracing, Thy warm mouth in my neck and our arms interlacing; But here in my body my soul lives alone, And thou answerest me from a house of thine own -- That house which I builded!

What this Textopian page supports

MOTHER TO CHILD (Charlotte Perkins Gilman) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1896 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary
Length: 728 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for MOTHER TO CHILD (Charlotte Perkins Gilman) by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this poem by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — As it is a work by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, a prominent writer of literary fiction, the book 'Mother to Child' likely adheres to this genre's conventions of complex characterization and rich exploration of human experiences. Gilman's works frequently delve into social and familial themes, which can be expected to hold true in this book as well.
Feminist Literature — Much of Gilman's oeuvre demonstrates an earnest exploration of women's roles within both family and society - a staple theme in feminist literature. Her focus on the mother-child relationship in this book likely contextualizes and analyzes those roles through a nuanced, feminist lens.
Social Commentary — Gilman's works are widely recognized for their cutting social critique. Given that 'Mother to Child' explores the maternal-child relationship, it likely situates this dynamic within society at large in order to comment on social situations and norms.