Come hither child Poem Analysis
"Come hither child" is a poem by the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth, published in his collection "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798. The poem is also known as "Anecdote for Fathers" and is a dialogue between a father and his young child. The poem explores themes of innocence, nature, and the wisdom of children.
In the poem, the father speaks to his child, asking him which of the two homes they've lived in he prefers. The child initially answers that he prefers their former home, but when asked why, he cannot provide a clear reason. Instead, he simply repeats his preference for the previous home. The father reflects on the child's answer and recognizes the wisdom in the child's simple response, realizing that sometimes preferences and feelings do not need to be justified with reasons.
One of the central themes in "Come hither child" is the innocence and wisdom of children. The poem is written in the form of a dialogue between a father and his young child, which allows Wordsworth to explore the contrast between the rationality of adults and the intuitive, unfiltered perspective of children. The father initially expects the child to provide a reason for his preference, but he ultimately realizes that the child's simple and unexplained response holds a deeper truth. This theme reflects Wordsworth's Romantic belief in the inherent goodness and wisdom of children and the corrupting influence of adult reasoning.
Another important theme in the poem is the connection between humans and nature. The poem does not provide specific details about the two homes in question, but it suggests that they are located in different natural settings. The child's preference for one home over the other can be interpreted as an expression of his innate connection to nature and his intuitive understanding of the beauty and value of the natural world.
In terms of form and style, "Come hither child" is a relatively simple and straightforward poem. It is composed of eight quatrains written in rhymed couplets (aabb), with a regular meter that gives the poem a conversational tone. The poem's simplicity and clarity reflect the innocence of the child's perspective, emphasizing the contrast between the adult's rationality and the child's intuitive wisdom.
In summary, "Come hither child" is a short yet thought-provoking poem by William Wordsworth that explores themes of innocence, nature, and the wisdom of children. Through its simple dialogue between a father and his young child, the poem highlights the contrast between adult reasoning and the unfiltered perspective of children, reflecting the Romantic belief in the inherent goodness and wisdom of youth. The poem's simple form and style serve to enhance its themes, demonstrating Wordsworth's skill as a poet and his ability to convey complex ideas through clear and accessible language.