The Infanticide

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    She took her babe, the child of shame and sin,     And wrapped it warmly in her shawl and went     From house to house for work. Propriety bent     A look of wonder on her; raised a din     Of Christian outrage. None would take her in.     All that she had was gone; had long been spent.     Penniless and hungry by the road she leant,     No friend to go to and no one of kin.     The babe at last began to cry for food.     Her breasts were dry; she had no milk to give.     She was so tired and cold. What could she do?     ... The next day in a pool within a wood     They found the babe.... 'Twas hard enough to live,     She found, for one; impossible for two.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem delves into the themes of societal judgment, destitution, and the harsh reality of survival. The central character is a stigmatized woman and her baby, both shunned by society due to the child's illegitimacy. The tone is somber and despairing, reflecting the bleak circumstances of the protagonist.

The poem employs a structured rhyming scheme, providing a rhythmic momentum that contrasts sharply with the grim content. This disparity between form and substance enhances the tragic narrative. The poet’s choice of language is simple yet powerfully evocative, painting a vivid picture of the woman's struggle.

Prominent literary devices include irony and symbolism. The irony lies in the 'Christian outrage' that shuns the woman, a critique of societal hypocrisy. The baby symbolizes the cruel cost of societal judgment and poverty, its fate a heartrending manifestation of their combined weight. The pool within the wood where the baby is found can be seen as a symbol of dark, unfeeling nature indifferent to human suffering.

In its bleak portrayal of a woman's struggle against societal prejudice and poverty, the poem offers a scathing commentary on the harsh realities faced by outcasts, emphasizing the tragic consequences of an unforgiving society that neglects its most vulnerable members.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.