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The Song of the Old Mother William Butler Yeats. Represents the mother of all Ireland or a previous, more responsible generation. I rise in the dawn, and I kneel and blow Till the seed of the fire flicker and glow;. Submissive attitude. Assonance helping the rhythm. A seed brings new life.
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Represents the mother of all Ireland or a previous, more responsible generation. I rise in the dawn, and I kneel and blow Till the seed of the fire flicker and glow; Submissive attitude Assonance helping the rhythm A seed brings new life Anapaests used – ‘di di dum’ rhythm
And then I must scrub and bake and sweep Till stars are beginning to blink and peep; Repetition of ‘and’ emphasises her continuous labours Domestic chores Almost like a nursery rhyme – fitting with the mother image.
And the young lie long and dream in their bed Of the matching of ribbons for bosom and head, ‘l’ alliteration highlights the laziness of her young. Trivial concerns Difference in generations
And their day goes over in idleness, And they sigh if the wind but lift a tress; Contrast to the industry in the first few lines Dissatisfaction with life Lock of hair
While I must work because I am old, And the seed of the fire gets feeble and cold. No choice -compelled to work Symbolises the end of her life. No young to take on the burden and to carry on the culture and traditions