The Farmer’s Bride by Charlotte Mew – Grade 9 Analysis on Isolation and Power скачать в хорошем качестве

The Farmer’s Bride by Charlotte Mew – Grade 9 Analysis on Isolation and Power

Introduction Ace your exams with this analysis of Mew’s The Farmer’s Bride, exploring its dramatic monologue form and themes of power and isolation in relationships. Analysis "The Farmer's Bride" by Charlotte Mew is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a farmer whose young bride becomes increasingly distant and fearful. Married three years, she initially resisted the marriage and later fled, leading to her capture and return. The farmer describes his longing and frustration as his wife remains silent and withdrawn, preferring the company of animals and nature over him. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poem explores themes of unrequited love, isolation, and the psychological impact of a forced marriage. Mew poignantly portrays the farmer's sense of helplessness and unfulfilled desire. 00:00 Intro 00:05 Context 02:24 Structural overview 05:14 Title 05:39 Line-by-line analysis Additional resources For more exam tips, resources, and one-to-one tutoring, visit my website: www.clairesnotes.com Check out the rest of my videos on the poem in the AQA Love and Relationships anthology:    • AQA Love and Relationships   Subscribe and Stay Ahead Subscribe to Claire's Notes for detailed, exam-focused insights into GCSE English Literature and Language. Master exam techniques, explore poetry, and secure grades 7, 8, and 9. The Poem Text of The Farmer’s Bride by Charlotte Mew Three summers since I chose a maid, Too young maybe—but more’s to do At harvest-time than bide and woo. When us was wed she turned afraid Of love and me and all things human; Like the shut of a winter’s day Her smile went out, and ’twadn’t a woman— More like a little frightened fay. One night, in the Fall, she runned away. “Out ’mong the sheep, her be,” they said, ’Should properly have been abed; But sure enough she wadn’t there Lying awake with her wide brown stare. So over seven-acre field and up-along across the down We chased her, flying like a hare Before our lanterns. To Church-Town All in a shiver and a scare We caught her, fetched her home at last And turned the key upon her, fast. She does the work about the house As well as most, but like a mouse: Happy enough to chat and play With birds and rabbits and such as they, So long as men-folk keep away. “Not near, not near!” her eyes beseech When one of us comes within reach. The women say that beasts in stall Look round like children at her call. I’ve hardly heard her speak at all. Shy as a leveret, swift as he, Straight and slight as a young larch tree, Sweet as the first wild violets, she, To her wild self. But what to me? The short days shorten and the oaks are brown, The blue smoke rises to the low grey sky, One leaf in the still air falls slowly down, A magpie’s spotted feathers lie On the black earth spread white with rime, The berries redden up to Christmas-time. What’s Christmas-time without there be Some other in the house than we! She sleeps up in the attic there Alone, poor maid. ’Tis but a stair Betwixt us. Oh! my God! the down, The soft young down of her, the brown, The brown of her—her eyes, her hair, her hair! About Me I’m an experienced English teacher with over 25 years of classroom and private tutoring experience. My videos are tailored to help students achieve top marks in AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas/WJEC, CCEA and Cambridge IGCSE English exams. Please note that any literature analysis is highly subjective and may disagree with analysis by another person. All interpretations are valid if they can be justified by reference to the text. This interpretation is my own: it is not exhaustive and there are alternatives! Let's Discuss! What do you think the poem reveals about the power dynamics in the relationship between the farmer and his bride? How does the use of language and imagery reflect the speaker’s emotions and growing obsession? What role does the theme of isolation play in shaping the bride’s experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s explore this complex poem in the comments below!