# The Gift explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Mina Loy.

## What happens

Ova receives a sovereign from her father, experiencing a moment of transcendent beauty and potential, only to have her illusion shattered when the coin is revealed to be a farthing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

Ova's innocent belief in the sovereign's power is contrasted with the harsh reality of the farthing, highlighting the fragility of childhood wonder.

### Imperialism and Nationalism

The father's economic control and the imagery of a 'golden octopus' suggest themes of imperial power and economic exploitation.

## Character check-ins

### Ova

Ova asks her father for a sovereign to buy a 'circus universe,' experiencing a moment of exalted beauty and destiny before being disillusioned.

### Exodus

Exodus is the father who gives Ova a coin, initially appearing as a sovereign but later revealed to be a farthing, embodying the theme of deceptive paternal power.

### Nurse

Nurse distrusts the situation and scolds Ova, calling her a 'little fool' after the coin is revealed to be a farthing.

## Key lines

> He tells her he is a good Father his child must obey him should he choose to do so he can bestow upon her whatever she pray him Heseems a sovereign the maximum of money A golden octopus grasping

The father asserts his authority and generosity, appearing as a sovereign—the ultimate symbol of wealth—but is described as a grasping golden octopus, suggesting possessive control.

_This passage establishes the father's dual role as benefactor and oppressor._

> She is exalted in spontaneous knowledge of beauty She confronts the solution of her destiny and sudden the potentiality of achievement through her august parent

Ova feels a sudden, ecstatic understanding of beauty and destiny, believing her father can unlock her potential.

_This moment of transcendence is immediately undercut by the revelation of the coin's true value._

> Ga‑aarn —you little fool who’re you a gittin at? That’s a new farthing!

Nurse scolds Ova harshly, revealing the coin is only a farthing, not a sovereign.

_The nurse's coarse language shatters Ova's illusion, emphasizing the theme of disillusionment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_17_se/chapters/the-gift
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_17_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_17_se/chapters