Poem Analysis - Her Eyes Are Wild

Overall Impression and Tone

Wordsworth's "Her Eyes Are Wild" is a poignant and unsettling glimpse into the mind of a woman seemingly on the fringes of society, struggling with mental instability and clinging to the maternal bond. The poem begins with a stark description of her disheveled appearance, immediately establishing a sense of unease. While there are moments of tenderness and fierce protectiveness towards her child, the poem is haunted by an undercurrent of madness and despair. The tone fluctuates between moments of loving reassurance directed at the baby and frantic, fragmented thoughts reflecting the woman's inner turmoil.

The Mother's Unwavering Love and Despair

One of the central themes explored in the poem is the unwavering love of a mother, even in the face of adversity and apparent mental instability. The woman's devotion to her child is palpable throughout the poem. Despite her disheveled appearance and the questions surrounding her sanity, she showers the baby with affection and promises of protection. This is evident in lines such as "Oh! love me, love me, little boy! / Thou art thy mother's only joy," and "Bold as a lion will I be; / And I will always be thy guide." These declarations highlight the strength and resilience of her maternal instincts. However, this love is intertwined with despair, as she recognizes her own precarious state and the potential dangers they face together, a bittersweet contrast in the narrative.

Isolation and Societal Rejection

The theme of isolation runs deeply through "Her Eyes Are Wild." The woman's physical appearance, described in the opening stanza, immediately sets her apart from conventional society. She is "wild," "bare," and "burnt," suggesting a life lived outside the norms of domesticity and respectability. The repeated references to the wilderness – "woods among," "hay-stack warm," "greenwood stone" – emphasize her separation from settled communities. Furthermore, her own words reveal a past trauma and a present struggle with mental health, which likely contributes to her isolation. The line "Dread not their taunts, my little Life" suggests she and her child are subject to social ridicule and judgment. This theme underscores the vulnerability of individuals marginalized by society and the desperate need for connection and acceptance.

Internal Turmoil Expressed through Shifting Realities

The poem grapples with the theme of mental instability, presenting a fragmented and often unreliable narrative voice. The woman's internal turmoil is evident in her rapid shifts in mood and perception. She oscillates between moments of lucidity and expressions of paranoia and delusion. The lines "A fire was once within my brain; / And in my head a dull, dull pain" provide a direct glimpse into her suffering. Her fear of "wicked looks" and the possibility that her child is "mad" reveal a deep-seated anxiety and a distorted view of reality. The poem uses vivid imagery, such as "fiendish faces" pulling at her breast, to externalize her inner demons and convey the intensity of her mental anguish. This theme raises questions about the nature of sanity, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the challenges faced by those struggling with such conditions.

Symbolic Imagery: The Baby, the Breeze, and the Woods

Several symbols recur throughout the poem, adding depth and complexity to its meaning. The baby, first and foremost, represents hope, redemption, and a reason to live. He is her "only joy" and the one who "saves for me my precious soul." The act of breastfeeding is portrayed as a source of healing and comfort, both physically and emotionally. The breeze acts as a recurring image that brings relief and solace, often associated with cooling her fevered brain and soothing her child. The woods symbolize both refuge and danger. They offer a place of escape from societal judgment, but they also represent the unpredictable and potentially threatening forces of nature. These images work together to create a rich and layered portrayal of the woman's inner world and her relationship with her child.

A Final Insight into the Poem's Significance

"Her Eyes Are Wild" is a powerful and haunting exploration of maternal love, mental illness, and societal marginalization. Through vivid imagery and a fragmented narrative, Wordsworth invites the reader to empathize with a woman struggling to survive on the fringes of society. The poem leaves us pondering the complexities of the human condition, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of maternal love in the face of unimaginable hardship. The open-ended nature of the poem, particularly the ambiguity surrounding the woman's true mental state, encourages readers to consider the subjective nature of reality and the importance of compassion in understanding those who are different. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to challenge our perceptions and evoke a profound emotional response.