The Mother by Fannie Stearns Davis
"The Mother" by Fannie Stearns Davis explores the emotional turmoil of a mother whose children have grown up and left home. The poem captures her sense of loss and emptiness as she grapples with her new reality. She is depicted engaging in repetitive tasks, like sewing, to distract herself from the pain of their absence. The mother reflects on how her children’s presence once kept her youthful and vibrant, and now she fears becoming a shadow of her former self. Despite her sorrow, she strives to maintain the smile they left her, aware that succumbing to her grief might lead to perpetual despair. The poem conveys themes of motherhood, aging, and the struggle to find purpose after fulfilling a long-held role.
By Fannie Stearns Davis · First published 1906 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Realist Fiction · 200 words
First lines
And now, they did not need her any more. She heard below the shudder of the door, The quick feet on the path, and she was fain Only to snatch her sewing up again, And sew, and sew, seam over feverish seam, Hurrying in the dumb haze of a dream, Thrusting away the moment when her hand Should force her idleness to understand That they were gone, all gone, and at the door They would not call and claim her any more.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mother is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fannie Stearns Davis, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fannie Stearns Davis
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Realist Fiction, Feminist Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mother by Fannie Stearns Davis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work delves into themes of loss, identity, and emotional introspection through nuanced narrative language.
- Poetry — The text employs rhythmic, lyrical language and evocative imagery that mirror poetic expression.
- Realist Fiction — It portrays the stark realities of emotional abandonment and the human condition in a believable manner.
- Feminist Fiction — The narrative centers on a woman grappling with her diminishing role and societal expectations, reflecting feminist themes.
Tags
motherhood · family · domestic life · sacrifice · resilience · commitment · emotional struggle · nurturing · legacy · identity · women · culture