Poetry Analysis: The Word 'Contracted' in "The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks

What do you think the word 'contracted' in "The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks evokes?

A. Images of growth and expansion

B. Images of confinement and restriction

C. Images of freedom and liberation

Answer:

The word 'contracted' in 'The Mother' by Gwendolyn Brooks evokes images of confinement, restriction, and a sense of being bound or limited.

The use of the word 'contracted' in Gwendolyn Brooks' poem 'The Mother' conveys a powerful sense of confinement and restriction. It suggests a feeling of being bound or limited, reflecting themes of loss and mourning that are prevalent in the poem.

When imagining the word 'contracted' in the context of the poem, one might visualize a shrinking or tightening of space, emotions, and relationships. This could symbolize the emotional weight carried by the mother who has experienced loss, specifically through abortion.

The word 'contracted' could also imply a decrease in social status or opportunities, as well as a contracting heart filled with grief or guilt. It paints a picture of a world that has become smaller and more constricted, mirroring the emotional turmoil faced by the mother in the poem.

In conclusion, the word 'contracted' in 'The Mother' serves to evoke a range of images related to confinement, restriction, and the emotional impacts of loss. It underscores the powerful themes explored by Gwendolyn Brooks in her poignant poem.