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Somebody’s Mother

- Mary Dow Brine

American poet, writer, and lyricist Mary Dow Brine lived from 1838 until 1925. Her most famous poem is "Somebody's Mother," and her most notable book is "My Boy and I or On the Road to Slumberland," a beautiful book with Dora Wheeler's illustrations that was published during Louis Comfort Tiffany's brief venture into publishing. American poet, writer, and lyricist Mary Dow Brine lived from 1838 until 1925. Her most famous poem is "Somebody's Mother," and her most notable book is "My Boy and I or On the Road to Slumberland," a beautiful book with Dora Wheeler's illustrations that was published during Louis Comfort Tiffany's brief venture into publishing

Introduction:

Welcome to our exploration of "Somebody's Mother," a timeless poem by Mary Dow Brine that beautifully captures the essence of empathy, kindness, and the enduring bond between generations. This poignant narrative highlights the importance of small acts of compassion and the profound impact they can have on individuals and society.

An old lady is being helped by a boy of 12 years to cross the road.

Summary

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The poem "Somebody's Mother" by Mary Dow Brine beautifully captures a poignant moment of compassion and empathy. It tells the story of an elderly, ragged woman struggling to cross a busy street, ignored by the bustling crowd. Amidst the indifference, a young boy from a group of schoolchildren notices her plight and offers his assistance.

 

The narrative unfolds with vivid imagery and rhythmic cadence, starting with the old woman's description. She is depicted as frail and worn, her physical appearance a testament to her life's hardships. The setting is a cold, wintry day, emphasizing her vulnerability and the harshness of her situation.

 

The poem contrasts the carefree nature of the children, full of energy and joy, with the old woman's lonely and hesitant demeanour. The children, described as a "flock of sheep," symbolize innocence and the fleeting freedom of youth. They pass by the woman without noticing her, engrossed in their world.

 

The turning point of the poem is marked by the young boy's act of kindness. Unlike his peers, he sees the old woman's need and offers to help her cross the street. His gesture is simple yet profound, symbolizing hope and humanity. By assisting her, he acknowledges her dignity and worth, recognizing that she is "somebody's mother."

 

The boy's words to his friends reflect a deeper understanding and empathy. He imagines his own mother in the same situation and hopes someone would help her if she were in need. This expression of universal concern highlights the interconnectedness of all people and the enduring bond between mothers and their children.

 

The poem concludes with the old woman’s heartfelt prayer for the boy. Her gratitude is deeply moving, encapsulating the theme of reciprocal kindness. The boy's selfless act not only aids her in a moment of need but also brings joy and comfort to her heart.

 

"Somebody's Mother" is a timeless reminder of the importance of compassion and the impact of small acts of kindness. It encourages readers to look beyond appearances and extend a helping hand to those in need, fostering a sense of shared humanity and mutual care.

Theme, Character, Imagery, Language,
Moral and Message

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  • Compassion and Kindness: The poem underscores the significance of empathy and the positive impact of helping those in need.

  • Generational Bonds: It highlights the universal connection between mothers and children, emphasizing respect and care for the elderly.

  • Moral Values: The narrative encourages readers to act with kindness and to recognize the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

Character Descriptions:

  • The Old Woman: Portrayed as frail, aged, and weary, she stands as a symbol of vulnerability and the often-overlooked elderly in society.

  • The Young Boy: Representing innocence, kindness, and moral strength, he is the hero of the poem, whose compassionate act brings warmth and hope.

Imagery and Language:

Mary Dow Brine uses vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow to draw readers into the scene. The contrast between the bustling crowd and the lonely old woman, the cold winter setting, and the cheerful children all serve to enhance the emotional depth of the poem.

Moral and Message:

"Somebody's Mother" reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound effect on others. It calls us to be attentive and caring, especially towards those who might be struggling or overlooked. The poem encourages a sense of shared humanity and mutual respect, fostering a more compassionate society.

Read these lines and answer the questions that follow

1.         She stood at the crossing and waited long, Alone, uncared for, amid the throng

             a. Who is 'she'?

o          'She' is the old woman described in the poem.

             b. What was she doing?

o          She was standing at the crossing, waiting to cross the street.

             c. What is her condition?

o          Her condition is that she is old, ragged, gray, and seemingly uncared for and alone.

 

             d. What does the word 'throng' mean here?

o          The word 'throng' means a large, busy crowd of people.

 

 

2.         He paused beside her and whispered low, "I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."

             a. Who is 'he' and whom is he speaking to?

o          'He' is the young boy from the group of schoolchildren, and he is speaking to the old woman.

             b. How does he help her?

o          He helps her by offering his assistance to cross the street and guiding her safely across.

 

 

3.         ..."God be kind to the noble boy Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"

             a. Who said this prayer?

o          The old woman said this prayer.

             b. Who is the noble boy?

o          The noble boy is the young boy who helped the old woman cross the street.

            c. Why did she pray for him?

o          She prayed for him out of gratitude for his kindness and compassion, hoping that he would be blessed for his good deed.

Answer these questions.

Here are the answers to the questions based on the poem "Somebody's Mother" by Mary Dow Brine:

  1. Describe the old woman's clothes, posture, and looks.

    • The old woman is described as "old and ragged and gray." She is bent with the chill of the winter's day, indicating that her posture is hunched and frail. Her appearance reflects her advanced age and difficult circumstances.

  2. The old woman was 'afraid to stir' and cross the road. Why?

    • The old woman was afraid to stir and cross the road because the street was slippery and crowded with carriage wheels and horses' feet, which could have knocked her down or caused her harm.

  3. What did the people in the street do for the old woman?

    • The people in the street did nothing for the old woman. They passed her by without noticing or offering any help, leaving her alone and uncared for amid the throng.

  4. Who helped the old woman and why?

    • A young boy from a group of schoolchildren helped the old woman. He noticed her plight and offered to help her cross the street out of kindness and compassion.

  5. How did the boy feel after he helped the old woman?

    • The boy felt happy and well content after helping the old woman. He was proud of his good deed and returned to his friends with a sense of satisfaction and joy.

  6. What did the old woman say in her prayers that night? Why?

    • In her prayers that night, the old woman asked God to be kind to the noble boy who helped her, recognizing him as somebody's son and a source of pride and joy. She prayed for him out of deep gratitude for his kind act and wished for his well-being and happiness.

Think And Answer

THINK AND ANSWER

Do you think the boy did the right thing in helping the old woman? Give a reason for your answer.

What would you have done?

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Yes, the boy did the right thing in helping the old woman. Here are a few reasons why his actions were commendable:

  1. Compassion and Kindness: The boy demonstrated empathy and compassion, recognizing that the old woman was in a difficult situation and needed assistance. His willingness to help shows a kind heart and a sense of responsibility towards others, especially those who are vulnerable.

  2. Moral and Ethical Values: Helping others, particularly the elderly or those in need, is a fundamental moral and ethical value. The boy's actions reflect a strong sense of right and wrong and a desire to do good.

  3. Setting an Example: By helping the old woman, the boy set a positive example for his peers. His actions showed that even small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life, encouraging others to be more considerate and helpful.

If I were in a similar situation, I would like to think that I would also help the old woman. Seeing someone struggling to cross a busy street, especially someone elderly and frail, would prompt me to offer my assistance. Helping her safely across the street would not only aid her in that moment but also provide reassurance that there are people who care and are willing to help. Acts of kindness and support, no matter how small, contribute to a more compassionate and connected community.

Extra questions and answers

  1. How is the old woman described at the beginning of the poem?

    • The old woman is described as old, ragged, gray, and bent with the chill of the winter's day.

  2. What is the setting of the poem?

    • The setting of the poem is a cold winter's day on a street corner where an old woman is trying to cross the street.

  3. Why was the old woman standing at the crossing?

    • The old woman was standing at the crossing because she wanted to cross the street but was hesitant due to the slippery conditions and the bustling crowd.

  4. How does the crowd react to the old woman standing at the crossing?

    • The crowd largely ignores the old woman, passing her by without offering any assistance or acknowledgment of her presence.

  5. What emotions does the old woman feel as she waits to cross the street?

    • The old woman feels alone, uncared for, anxious, and timid as she waits to cross the street.

  6. How do the children behave as they leave school?

    • The children behave with laughter and excitement as they leave school, glad for the freedom of being let out.

  7. What metaphor is used to describe the children in the poem?

    • The children are described as a "flock of sheep," emphasizing their collective movement and lack of individual awareness or consideration.

  8. Why were the children unaware of the old woman’s plight?

    • The children were unaware of the old woman's plight because they were preoccupied with their own enjoyment and excitement, not noticing or caring about the old woman's presence.

  9. Who noticed the old woman and offered to help?

    • A young boy from the group of schoolchildren noticed the old woman and offered to help her cross the street.

  10. What words did the boy use to offer his assistance?

    • The boy said, "I'll help you cross, if you wish to go," offering his assistance to the old woman.

  11. How did the old woman respond to the boy’s offer of help?

    • The old woman placed her aged hand on the boy's strong young arm, accepting his offer of help.

  12. Describe the physical support the boy provided to the old woman.

    • The boy provided physical support by guiding the old woman's trembling feet along as they crossed the street together.

  13. How did the boy feel after helping the old woman?

    • The boy felt happy and content after helping the old woman, proud of his own firm and strong capabilities.

  14. What did the boy say to his friends after helping the old woman?

    • The boy said to his friends, "She's somebody's mother, boys, you know," highlighting the old woman's significance and the importance of helping others.

  15. What does the boy hope for in return for his act of kindness?

    • The boy hopes that if his own mother were ever in a similar situation, someone would offer her help, understanding the importance of reciprocal kindness.

  16. How did the old woman express her gratitude for the boy’s help?

    • The old woman expressed her gratitude by bowing her head and praying for the boy's well-being and happiness that night.

  17. What is the significance of the title "Somebody’s Mother"?

    • The title "Somebody's Mother" emphasizes the universal connection between individuals, reminding readers that everyone is somebody's child and that kindness towards others is essential.

  18. What moral lesson does the poem teach about kindness and empathy?

    • The poem teaches that kindness and empathy are fundamental virtues that should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their age or circumstances.

  19. How does the poet use imagery to convey the old woman’s vulnerability?

    • The poet uses imagery such as describing the old woman as "old and ragged" and highlighting her anxious eyes and trembling feet to convey her vulnerability.

  20. What can we learn from the old woman’s prayer at the end of the poem?

    • From the old woman's prayer, we learn the importance of gratitude and the power of acknowledging and appreciating acts of kindness and compassion.

An old lady

Thank you for visiting our page dedicated to "Somebody's Mother" by Mary Dow Brine. May this poem inspire compassion and kindness in your heart and actions.

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