Edward

"And what will ye leave to your own mother dear,
Edward, Edward,
And what will ye leave to your own mother dear?"


Wow, this poem was really weird and creepy. It's basically a conversation between Edward and his mother. The mother keeps asking her son about crimes he has committed and as the poem goes on, the crimes get worse. I think that is why the structure of the poem is so important. The poem starts with a simple killing of a hawk. Then is moves to his father, then he leaves his wife and kids with nothing and then he abandons even his own mother. Throughout the poem, the mother seems very forgiving of Edward and doesn't really get angry with him. She just keeps asking him why he is doing what he is doing. She asks "And what will you leave to your children and wife?" trying to remain optimistic and allow Edward to make up for his mistakes. Edward on the other hand, appears selfish and cold-hearted. However, he also appears scared and helpless. I think that the only true crime he does, is kill his father. He is trying to explain to his mother what he did, but doesn't really know how to tell her. He know he will be punished for his actions and know that his mother will have to share the burden.