Poetry · Chapter
The Pinafore explained
A parent reflects on their child's withdrawal behind a pinafore when upset, seeing it as a mysterious transformation akin to spiritual growth and divine concealment, and prays for their own heart to be hidden and purified by God.
What happens
A parent reflects on their child's withdrawal behind a pinafore when upset, seeing it as a mysterious transformation akin to spiritual growth and divine concealment, and prays for their own heart to be hidden and purified by God.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood and Innocence
The child's pinafore symbolizes a protective veil of innocence, and the poem explores the hidden spiritual growth occurring within.
Spiritual Struggle and Doubt
The narrator struggles with their own 'evil part' and desires to be hidden and transformed by divine grace.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The parent narrator who observes the child's retreat and prays for personal transformation.
- The Child-Mother
The child who hides behind the pinafore and undergoes a mysterious inner change.
- God
Addressed as 'Lord' in the final stanza, asked to hide and then unveil the narrator's heart.
- Moses
Referenced as an example of one who became radiant after being in God's presence.
Key passages
“As disappears the moon, when wind Heaps miles of mist her visage o’er, So vanisheth his face behind The cloud of his white pinafore.”
Just as the moon is hidden by thick clouds, the child's face disappears behind the white pinafore.
The pinafore acts as a cloud-like veil, obscuring the child's expression.
“Hid by that screen, a wondrous shine Is gathering for a sweet surprise; As Moses grew, in dark divine, Too radiant for his people’s eyes.”
Behind the pinafore, a glorious light builds up, just as Moses became so bright after encountering God that others could not look at him.
The child's hidden transformation is compared to Moses' radiant encounter with the divine.
“Lord, in thy skirt, love’s tender gaol, Hide thou my selfish heart’s disgrace; Fill me with light, and then unveil To friend and foe a friendly face.”
Lord, hide my selfish heart in your loving embrace, fill me with your light, and then reveal a kind face to everyone.
The narrator prays for divine concealment and purification, followed by a gracious unveiling.