# Lines on the Death of a Farmer’s Wife explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

A tribute to a deceased farmer's wife, celebrating her life as a devoted mother, diligent homemaker, and loving spouse. The poem emphasizes her cheerful work ethic, the family she raised, and her reward in heaven.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Loss

The poem directly addresses the death of the farmer's wife and her transition to an afterlife.

### Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue

Praises the woman's domestic virtues—kindness, care, hard work—as a model for others.

## Character check-ins

### James McIntyre

Author of the poem, reflecting on the life and death of a farmer's wife.

## Key lines

> This good woman when in this life, She was kind mother and good wife, And managed her household with care, She and her husband happy pair.

During her life, this woman was a kind mother and good wife, carefully managing her household and living happily with her husband.

_Summarizes the woman's role and marital harmony._

> She laid up treasures in the skies, And now enjoys the Heavenly prize.

She stored up spiritual riches in heaven and now enjoys her eternal reward.

_Religious consolation for her death._

> She rose each morn with happy smile, And ardent all the day did toil, For work it to her had a charm, And busy was each hand and arm.

She woke each morning with a smile and worked eagerly all day, finding charm in labor and keeping her hands and arms busy.

_Highlights her cheerful and industrious nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/lines-on-the-death-of-a-farmer-s-wife
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters