Child of Our Time

Summary

"Child of Our Time" is a deeply moving poem by Eavan Boland, reflecting on a tragic event—the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974—and its impact on both a personal and societal level. This work is an elegy, a lament for the innocent life lost during this period of violence in Ireland's history. The poem is addressed to Aengus, a friend's son who died a cot death at the time Boland was writing the poem. This context provides a dual layer of grief and loss that Boland navigates through her verse.

The poem begins with the stark reality of loss as Boland confesses her lack of a lullaby for the child. This opening sets a tone of regret and helplessness, which pervades the entire poem. She then moves into a reflection on how the child's death—symbolic of all innocent lives lost in conflict—challenges those left behind to find a new language, one that can adequately express the inexplicable loss and the need for change.

In "Child of Our Time," Boland effectively uses the child's death as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the need for a societal shift in perspective and language. The poem is a call to remember the impact of violence and the importance of each life, pushing readers to confront the harsh realities of conflict and its human cost.

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Key Images

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Lullaby and Song

Boland introduces the poem with the absence of a lullaby, which traditionally signifies comfort and protection. This absence is symbolic of the void left by the child's death and the broader context of lost innocence in a time of conflict. She later develops this image into a song crafted from the child's "final cry", turning grief into a haunting melody.

"Yesterday I knew no lullaby / But you have taught me overnight to order / This song which takes from your final cry."

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Broken Images

The imagery of brokenness recurs throughout the poem, symbolising the shattered peace and innocence due to violence. Boland speaks of making "our broken images rebuild / Themselves around your limbs, your broken / Image," indicating the need to reconstruct a fragmented society around the memory of the lost.

: "To make our broken images rebuild / Themselves around your limbs, your broken / Image."

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Garden and Housekeeping

These images represent the everyday normalcy and nurturing environment which has been irreparably altered by tragedy. Boland juxtaposes these mundane activities against the backdrop of loss, highlighting the profound impact of the child's death on ordinary life.

"but take it well woman grow / your garden keep house good-bye."

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Form and Structure

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"Child of Our Time" is structured as a single, continuous stanza, symbolising the uninterrupted flow of grief and the seamless connection between personal and collective loss. The form mirrors the inescapable nature of the tragedy and its pervasive impact.

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Continuous Stanza

The lack of stanza breaks in the poem reflects the relentless and overwhelming nature of grief. It also emphasises the continuous impact of violence on society, without pause or relief.

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Use of Enjambment

Boland frequently employs enjambment, where one line flows into the next without punctuation, to convey a sense of urgency and fluidity. This technique captures the suddenness of loss and the ongoing nature of the emotional response.

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Rhythmic Variations

The poem's rhythm varies, at times flowing smoothly and at others halting abruptly. This variation mimics the emotional turmoil experienced in grieving, fluctuating between reflection, realisation, and a call to action.

"Child of Our Time" is a poignant and impactful poem steeped in the tragedy of its historical context. Through her powerful use of imagery, form, and structure, Boland not only memorialises the individual loss of a child but also reflects on the broader consequences of violence in society. Her work challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of conflict and to consider the human cost of political strife.

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Themes

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Loss of Innocence

The poem is anchored in the theme of lost innocence, particularly in the context of political violence and societal upheaval. Boland uses the death of a child, a symbol of purity and innocence, to represent the broader loss experienced by society during times of conflict.

"Yesterday I knew no lullaby / But you have taught me overnight to order / This song which takes from your final cry."

This quote encapsulates the sudden and tragic transition from innocence to a harsher reality.

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The Impact of Violence

The poem reflects on the broader impact of violence on society. Boland uses the individual tragedy of a child's death to comment on the collective trauma inflicted by political and social unrest.

"Its rhythm from the discord of your murder / Its motive from the fact you cannot listen."

This line poignantly addresses the irreversible impact of violence.

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Search for New Language

Boland suggests the inadequacy of existing language to express the profound sense of loss and advocates for a new language that can encapsulate the depth of collective grief and the need for societal healing.

"a new language. Child / Of our time our times have robbed your cradle."

Here, the 'new language' symbolises a need for change in societal response and understanding.

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Style and Language Techniques

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Elegiac Style

The poem is written in the style of an elegy, mourning the loss of a child. The elegiac style is evident in its sombre tone and reflective nature.

"Sleep in a world your final sleep has woken."

This line encapsulates the elegiac tone, combining elements of finality and awakening.

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Metaphorical Language

Boland extensively uses metaphors to convey complex emotions and themes. The child's death is a metaphor for lost innocence and societal upheaval.

"To make our broken images rebuild / Themselves around your limbs, your broken / Image."

This metaphor illustrates the attempt to reconstruct a shattered reality.

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Symbolism

The poem is rich in symbolism, with objects and actions representing larger concepts. For instance, the 'lullaby' symbolises comfort and normalcy, now lost.

"Yesterday I knew no lullaby"

The absence of the lullaby symbolises a disruption of peace and innocence.

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Mood and Atmosphere

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Mourning and Reflective

The mood is sombre and contemplative as Boland delves into the emotional aftermath of loss. The reflective nature invites readers to consider the broader implications of the tragedy.

"Its tune from your unreasoned end its reason; / Its rhythm from the discord of your murder."

These lines create an atmosphere of mourning and reflection on senseless violence.

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Urgency for Change

The poem carries an underlying urgency for societal change. This mood is driven by the need to prevent future tragedies and find a new way to process and articulate collective grief.

"a new language. Child / Of our time our times have robbed your cradle."

This line conveys a sense of urgency to adapt and change in response to lost innocence.

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Hope Amidst Despair

Despite the predominant mood of grief, the poem has a subtle undercurrent of hope. Boland suggests that from the depths of despair, a drive for positive change can emerge.

"Sleep in a world your final sleep has woken."

This line hints at awakening and change, suggesting that the child's death could be a catalyst for societal transformation.

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Conclusion

Eavan Boland's "Child of Our Time" poignantly explores loss, the impact of violence, and the urgent need for societal change. The poem's themes, style, language techniques, mood, and atmosphere make it a profound and relevant piece for students studying for the Higher Level English Leaving Certificate exam. Through this detailed analysis, students can better understand Boland's work and its significance in Irish literature and history.