Childhood (Poem by Victor Hugo)

Childhood

By Victor Hugo

The small child sang; the mother, outstretched on the low bed,

    With anguish moaned, — fair Form pain should possess not long;

For, ever nigher, Death hovered around her head:

    I hearkened there this moan, and heard even there that song.

The child was but five years, and, close to the lattice, aye

    Made a sweet noise with games and with his laughter bright;

And the wan mother, aside this being the livelong day

    Carolling joyously, coughed hoarsely all the night.

The mother went to sleep 'mong them that sleep alway;

    And the blithe little lad began anew to sing...

Sorrow is like a fruit: God doth not therewith weigh

    Earthward the branch strong yet but for the blossoming.

Poem Analysis:

"Childhood" by Victor Hugo is a poignant reflection on the juxtaposition of innocence and suffering, joy and sorrow, as embodied by a small child and his dying mother. Through vivid imagery and contrasting themes, Hugo delves into the complexities of human experience and the transient nature of life.

Juxtaposition of Innocence and Suffering: The poem opens with a stark contrast between the small child, singing joyously, and the mother, moaning in anguish on her low bed. Hugo vividly portrays the innocence of childhood through the child's laughter and games, juxtaposed against the pain and suffering of the dying mother. This contrast highlights the fragility of life and the harsh realities of mortality.

Symbolism of Death and Suffering: Death looms ominously around the mother, as indicated by the reference to Death hovering around her head. The mother's suffering is palpable, depicted through her moans of anguish and hoarse coughing throughout the night. Hugo uses the imagery of illness and impending death to evoke a sense of melancholy and foreboding, underscoring the transient nature of human existence.

Themes of Joy and Sorrow: Amidst the mother's suffering, the child's joyous singing serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the somber atmosphere of the sickroom, the child's laughter and games bring moments of lightness and joy. Hugo explores the inherent tension between joy and sorrow, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, moments of happiness and innocence endure.

Metaphor of Sorrow as Fruit: The poem concludes with a powerful metaphor equating sorrow to a fruit. Hugo suggests that sorrow, like fruit, is a natural part of the human experience. However, he implies that God does not weigh down the branch prematurely, allowing it to bear the weight of sorrow only after it has blossomed and matured. This metaphor underscores the idea that sorrow is an inevitable aspect of life, yet it is not imposed until the individual is ready to bear its weight.

In conclusion, "Childhood" by Victor Hugo is a poignant exploration of the juxtaposition of innocence and suffering, joy and sorrow, within the context of human experience. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Hugo invites readers to contemplate the complexities of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.