The Courage that my Mother Had

Name: The Courage that my Mother Had
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem reflects on the speaker's admiration for their mother's courage, which is portrayed as a solid, enduring quality akin to granite. The speaker contrasts the physical inheritance of a golden brooch, which holds sentimental value but lacks the profound significance of their mother's bravery. The brooch symbolizes material possessions that can be cherished yet are ultimately expendable. The speaker expresses a deep longing for the courage that their mother possessed, suggesting that it is far more valuable than any material item. The mother's courage is depicted as a vital force that has been lost with her passing, leaving the speaker feeling bereft. The poem encapsulates themes of loss, inheritance, and the desire for strength in the face of adversity. The speaker's yearning for their mother's courage highlights the emotional weight of familial bonds and the impact of a parent's legacy on their child's life. The juxtaposition of tangible and intangible inheritances emphasizes the idea that true strength and resilience are far more precious than physical treasures.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1940 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational · 96 words

First lines

The courage that my mother had

Went with her, and is with her still:

Rock from New England quarried;

Now granite in a granite hill.

What this Textopian page supports

The Courage that my Mother Had is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational, Elegy, Contemporary
Length: 96 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of courage and legacy through lyrical expression.
Literary Fiction — The poem delves into personal and emotional themes, characteristic of literary fiction.
Inspirational — The poem conveys a message about the value of courage and strength inherited from a parent.
Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and remembrance, typical of elegiac works.