# In the Night explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on hearing the Master's voice calling like a mother to her child, grappling with doubt and unworthiness while affirming that God's love is based on His own nature and the potential for goodness within the speaker.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The speaker wrestles with doubt, questioning whether the Master truly cares for him despite his perceived unworthiness.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The Master's love is portrayed as unconditional, rooted in His own nature, and a force that draws the speaker toward goodness.

## Character check-ins

### The Master

The Master's voice is heard calling the speaker, likened to a mother calling her child.

### Unknown

The speaker who hears the Master's call and struggles with doubt and self-worth.

### God

Referred to as the Father who made the speaker for good and loves him.

## Key lines

> As to her child a mother calls, “Come to me, child; come near!” Calling, in silent intervals, The Master’s voice I hear.

Just as a mother tenderly calls her child to come close, I hear the Master's voice calling me in quiet moments.

_The speaker compares the Master's call to a mother's loving invitation._

> Doubt whispers, “Thou art such a blot” “He cannot love poor thee:” If what I am he loveth not, He loves what I shall be.

Doubt tells me I am too flawed for God to love, but even if He does not love my current state, He loves the person I am becoming.

_The speaker confronts doubt by affirming God's love for his potential._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/in-the-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters