Poem Analysis - If Mary Had Known

A Mother's Paradox: Joy and Sorrow

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "If Mary Had Known" is a poignant exploration of motherhood intertwined with divine purpose. The poem oscillates between imagined scenarios of Mary's potential grief and overwhelming joy, contemplating the burden and the blessing of raising Jesus. Through vivid imagery and contrasting tones, Montgomery crafts a meditation on the complexities of faith and the dual nature of sacrifice and redemption. The poem's emotional landscape is rich with both maternal tenderness and spiritual awe.

The Weight of Prophecy: Foreknowledge and Anguish

One of the central themes of the poem is the burden of foreknowledge, specifically regarding the suffering Jesus would endure. The "If Mary had known" stanzas paint a picture of profound sorrow. For example, the first stanza describes how Mary's maternal embrace would have been overshadowed by the "hatred insane" and the "bitterest pain" her son would face. The vivid image of Jesus's "tender brow" being "pressed" with a "garland of thorn" until "red drops would fall" is particularly striking. This imagery evokes a deep sense of empathy for Mary, imagining her potential anguish at knowing her child's fate. These passages explore the emotional toll of bearing witness to such profound injustice and pain.

Redemption's Promise: Healing and Hope

Counterbalancing the theme of suffering is the promise of redemption and the transformative power of Jesus's sacrifice. The "But if Mary had known" stanzas shift the tone to one of hopeful anticipation. The poem emphasizes the "treasure of gifts" Jesus would bring to the world, offering "healing and hope" to those who "must ache." The image of his hands plucking "forth death's sting" and setting "open the door of the close, jealous grave" is powerful. This suggests that Jesus's suffering is not in vain, but rather a crucial step towards liberation and eternal life. This counter-narrative highlights the redemptive aspect of the Christian story, offering comfort and solace in the face of adversity.

Feet as Symbols: Hardship and Holiness

The poem uses the image of Jesus's feet as a recurring symbol, representing both the hardship of his earthly journey and the holiness of his mission. In the third stanza, Mary guides "so gently his bare little feet" as he takes his first steps. However, the poem foresees a "hard, starless way to the Rood" for these feet, a path of "hissing and shame." The image of the "cross of humanity's need" is tied to his footsteps, suggesting that his suffering is inextricably linked to the salvation of humanity. Conversely, the fifth stanza depicts those same feet as capable of making "holy the land of their woe" and guiding "the world back to its God." This contrasting symbolism emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus's life and sacrifice. This duality offers a thought-provoking interpretation: Are these feet representative of all mankind's hard journeys, as well as a path to salvation?

An Eternal Mother's Joy

In conclusion, "If Mary Had Known" is a complex and emotionally resonant poem that explores the dual nature of motherhood and divine purpose. Montgomery skillfully uses contrasting imagery and tones to depict both the potential anguish and the ultimate joy that Mary might have experienced had she foreseen her son's destiny. Through vivid symbols and powerful language, the poem offers a profound meditation on the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the enduring power of faith. Ultimately, it celebrates Mary's unique role in Christian history, highlighting both the burden and the blessing of being the mother of Jesus. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the immense joy and pain that are often intertwined in the human experience, particularly in the context of motherhood and spiritual devotion.