Week 6 Analysis - Literary Analysis of "To a Little Invisible..."

When reading of Anna Laetitia Barbauld's history in The Norton Anthology of World Literature, I was again struck by the content of which this literary figure decided to fill her work with. At this point it's no coincidence that I'm drawn to literary figures who are willing to stand defiantly by their work, speaking of subjects that may have been considered taboo during their respective times. Aside from tackling the underbelly of societies woes in her plays/poetry, Barbauld would also write "playful and reflective poems on family life, exploring childhood, married love, and grief" (326); which brings us to "To a Little Invisible Being Who Is Expected Soon to Become Visible" which falls under this umbrella. "To a Little Invisible..." covers the female perspective of pregnancy, delving into various stages of child birth and development. What's most striking about this piece is the pondering of just who this "little stranger" is and will become. I'm sure this a recurring thought amongst most  prospective parents, and I'm sure brings about the most excitement. In Barbauld's "To a Little Invisible...", she's able to convey themes of pregnancy and more specifically the substantial growth of a little being; including all of their complexities that have already and will continue to develop long after birth; through imagery evoked in her poetry. As a man who's seriously leaning towards not wanting children, its truly fascinating to be given a glimpse into this process; and specifically from a woman's perspective, who's given the happiness and burden of pregnancy on a whole different level than men.

Multiple sections of this poem evoke themes regarding the complexities of pregnancy and the new human who will be freed upon our world. The following from "To a Little Invisible" displays these themes: "What powers lie folded in thy curious frame, --/Senses from objects locked, and mind from thought!" (5-6, 327). These lines from the poem easily reflect the theme, with the narrator pondering just who her child is and will become. I can only imagine the intrigue of meeting a "new Stranger"; someone who can be distinctly different from you, yet completely "yours" as a parent. Let alone having the constant reminder of this fact as a woman, who is developing this child in your own body. Another example of the poetry easily evoking these themes comes from the following bars: "Haste, little captive, burst thy prison doors!/Launch on the living world, and spring to light!/Nature for thee displays her various stores, Opens her thousand inlets of delight" (25-28, 327). This section encapsulates the excitement felt, covering both excitement from physically seeing a child and then the wonders of getting to know/learning from this developing person. Being given a peek into the female perspective of pregnancy and the wonders/struggle that behold from raising a child is compelling (especially as an individual who is unsure of wanting children). Barbauld's "To a Little Invisible Being Who Is Expected Soon to Become Visible" allows me the pleasure of somewhat understanding the complexities of comprehending this process; even if just a little bit.

Barbauld, Anna Laetitia. "To a Little Invisible Being Who Is Expected Soon to Become Visible." The Norton Anthology of World Literature Volume E. (326-327).