# Appeal explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A speaker reflects on the nature of divine fatherhood, comparing their own hypothetical care for a child to God's care for them. Despite doubt and spiritual blindness, they cling to God as their perfect mind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Fatherhood

The speaker compares their own fatherly care to God's, appealing to Him as Father.

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The speaker admits 'I cannot quite believe' yet chooses to be hopeful, highlighting a struggle with faith.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who questions and appeals to God.

### God

Addressed as Father, the one the speaker clings to in darkness.

## Key lines

> If in my arms I bore my child, Would he cry out for fear Because the night was dark and wild And no one else was near?

If I held my own child, would he be afraid of the dark and isolation?

_The speaker uses a human analogy to question God's care._

> I will be hopeful, though, alas, I cannot quite believe!

I choose hope even though my faith is incomplete.

_Expresses the tension between doubt and trust._

> The darkness comes! I cling to thee! Be thou my perfect mind.

As darkness falls, I hold onto you; be my clarity and reason.

_A plea for God to guide the speaker's thoughts and understanding._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/appeal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters