# II explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Taras Shevchenko.

## What happens

An old couple sitting peacefully outside is stirred by a mysterious cry, discovering an abandoned infant at their gate. They joyfully decide to adopt the child, reflecting on the strange fortunes of a world where some reject their own children while others long for them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Sacrifice

The mother's abandonment of her child, wrapped in her own dress, is a poignant act of desperate love and sacrifice.

### Social Injustice and Class

The poem contrasts the wealthy who curse their children with the poor who labor to pray for offspring, highlighting social inequities.

## Character check-ins

### Trophimus

The old man who hears the child's cry and urges his wife to take the baby in.

### Stasia

The old woman who shares her husband's sorrow and joy, and is called to care for the foundling.

## Key lines

> All peace and love it seemed like Eden. Yet angels above their hearts might read in, A hidden sorrow, a gloomy mood Like lurking beast in darksome wood.

Outwardly the couple appears content, but inwardly they harbor a secret sadness.

_The contrast between appearance and inner feeling is established._

> Before the stile a swaddled child, Not bound tightly, just wrapped lightly, For it was in summer mild, And the mother with fond caress Had covered it with her own last dress.

At the gate lies a baby loosely wrapped in a light cloth, gently covered by the mother's own garment.

_The mother's care is evident even in abandonment._

> There’s a fellow that curses his son, Chases him away from home, Into lonely lands to roam, While other poor creatures, With sorrowful features, With sweat of their toiling Must much money earn; The wage of their moiling Candles to burn.

Some people reject their own children, while others labor hard just to afford candles for prayers, longing for children they don't have.

_The narrator reflects on the irony of human fortune._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_22_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_22_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_22_se/chapters