# Wanderer's Return explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

A mother joyfully welcomes home her wayward son, who has returned after a period of sin and wandering. Despite his blighted and bruised condition, her love overflows with relief and gratitude, celebrating his return and reflecting on the power of maternal love as a parallel to divine love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Family

The poem centers on a mother's unconditional love and joy at her son's return, emphasizing family bonds and maternal devotion.

### Hope and Redemption

The mother's prayer is answered, and her son's return symbolizes redemption and the possibility of renewal after sin.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The mother who speaks of her wandering boy's return, expressing profound joy and relief.

### Father

Referenced as the divine Father whose love for wandering souls mirrors the mother's love.

## Key lines

> My home is so glad, my heart is so light, My wandering boy has returned to-night.

My home is filled with joy and my heart feels light because my son, who had been lost, has come back tonight.

_Opening lines establish the mother's elation at her son's return._

> If the mother-love be so strong and great For her child, sin-weary and desolate, Oh what must the love of the Father be For souls who have wandered like you and me!

If a mother's love is so powerful for her weary and sinful child, then how much greater must God's love be for all of us who have strayed.

_Final stanza draws a parallel between maternal love and divine love, emphasizing universal redemption._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/wanderer-s-return
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters