On Receipt of My Mother’s Picture Summary
William Cowper’s poem “On Receipt of My Mother’s Picture” was first published in 1798 in a collection titled Two Poems by Cowper. This collection included Cowper’s poem along with another poem, and was originally released as a small pamphlet. The 1798 edition is the earliest known published form of the poem.
Later, in 1926, a reprint or scholarly edition of Cowper’s works was produced by J. Johnson at the Clarendon Press in Oxford. The 1926 edition aimed to preserve Cowper’s poetry and made it accessible to scholars and literature enthusiasts, continuing the tradition of ensuring that important literary works were preserved and made available for academic study.
Cowper’s personal life, marked by grief and loss, had a significant impact on his poetry. His mother, Anne Cowper, died when he was only six years old in 1737. This loss left a lasting emotional impact on Cowper, and the grief stayed with him throughout his life. As he grew older, Cowper also faced struggles with mental health, including depression and loneliness, which made his emotional pain even more intense.
His mother was only 36 years old when she passed away, so Cowper did not have much time to create a close relationship with her. In the poem, Cowper talks to her portrait as if she were still alive. He asks whether she knew how much he grieved when he found out about her death. This shows how deeply he missed her and how he wished they could have had more time together.
In 1790, when Cowper was 58 years old, his cousin Ann Bodham sent him a portrait of his mother. Seeing the portrait made Cowper feel so connected to her again that he said he would rather have the picture than the “richest jewel in the British crown.” This portrait brought back many memories and emotions, and it inspired him to write the poem as a tribute to his mother.
William Cowper’s On Receipt of My Mother’s Picture was written after he received a portrait of his late mother, Ann Cowper. The poem expresses his deep emotions as the portrait brings back memories of her, even though she passed away when he was only six years old. Cowper begins by wishing that his mother’s lips could speak, as he feels her presence in the painting. He imagines that if she could speak, she would comfort him, telling him not to grieve and to stop worrying. Her smile and the kindness in her eyes are still vivid to him, and he praises the artist who captured her image, as it allows her to live on in some way.
As he continues, Cowper expresses his gratitude for the portrait, which he sees as an unexpected guest that has arrived to remind him of his mother’s love. Though he has mourned her loss for many years, the portrait offers him a way to honor her memory. He recalls the sorrow he felt when he first learned of her death, wondering if she knew how much he cried. He imagines that perhaps her spirit watched over him, even after she passed away. He wonders if she gave him a kiss from heaven or shed a tear for him. The memory of her maternal smile seems to answer his unspoken questions, offering him some comfort.
Cowper goes on to remember the day of his mother’s funeral. He recalls hearing the toll of the bell and watching her body being carried away. At the time, he had been heartbroken, crying for a long time. Now, looking back, he realizes that in heaven, there are no farewells, and when they meet again, he will never have to say goodbye. He reflects on how his life has changed since her death—how the house they once lived in is no longer his, and others have since moved into it. The gardens and paths that once filled him with joy are now only distant memories. Yet, despite the passing of time and the loss of the home, the love his mother gave him remains etched in his memory.
He remembers how his mother used to care for him. She would check on him every night to make sure he was safe and warm in bed, and in the mornings, she would greet him with love and care. Her love was constant and steady, unlike the love of others, which might be affected by moods or temper. His mother’s love never faltered, and these memories continue to bring him joy, even in his later years.
As he reflects on those early years, Cowper wonders if he could go back and relive the moments when he played with flowers and enjoyed his mother’s company. If it were possible, he might wish to experience those days again. However, he quickly realizes that while those moments were precious, they were also part of a simpler, more carefree time. But he also acknowledges that his mother is now at peace, and he would not want to bring her back into the struggles of life on earth. She is in a better place now.
Cowper imagines his mother as a beautiful ship that has sailed safely across the rough seas of life and reached a peaceful shore. She is no longer suffering, and he takes comfort in knowing that she is at rest. As for himself, he is still struggling in life, feeling lost and confused, but the thought that his mother is safe in heaven provides him with some peace. He ends the poem by reflecting on the pride he feels in being the son of a mother who is now in heaven. Although his birth may not have come from royalty or power, his mother’s spiritual status gives him a sense of dignity. He concludes with the comforting thought that, although time has passed and his mother is no longer physically with him, her memory lives on in his heart, and that brings him peace.
Through this poem, Cowper mourns the loss of his mother, but he also celebrates the enduring love she gave him. The portrait serves as a powerful symbol, allowing him to reconnect with her memory and experience a sense of comfort and solace. The poem is a reflection on grief, love, and the hope for reunion in the afterlife, capturing Cowper’s emotional journey of loss and remembrance.
Key Points
Author:
The poem On Receipt of My Mother’s Picture was written by William Cowper, an English poet from the 18th century. Cowper is known for his emotional depth and sensitivity, particularly in dealing with personal loss and the complexities of human nature. He suffered from bouts of depression throughout his life, which often influenced his writing. Cowper’s poetry reflects themes of grief, nature, faith, and the struggle with mental illness.
Form and Rhyme Scheme:
The poem is written in heroic couplets, a form consisting of pairs of rhyming lines in iambic pentameter (ten syllables per line with an unstressed-stressed pattern). The typical AABB rhyme scheme enhances the flow and rhythm of the poem, providing a sense of regularity and order amidst the emotional turmoil described. However, the poem’s emotional highs and lows are mirrored in the occasional irregularity of the stanza lengths, which prevents the poem from feeling overly constrained by its form.
In terms of rhyme scheme, the AABB pattern is followed for most of the poem, though one stanza feature more lines or slight deviations to reflect a shift in mood or thought. For example, in the third stanza, the line “Ah that maternal smile! it answers—Yes” stands out, offering a more intimate and personal reflection than the other lines.
Speaker:
The speaker of the poem is William Cowper himself, expressing his grief and sorrow over the death of his mother. The speaker also reflects on the comfort and solace that the mother’s memory provides him, as well as his hope for spiritual reunion in the afterlife. The poem is deeply personal, offering insight into the speaker’s emotional state and his complex relationship with both life and death.
Setting:
The poem is set in the speaker’s present world, where he is reflecting on the loss of his mother and the passage of time. However, there is a significant contrast between the physical world and the spiritual realm that Cowper imagines for his mother. The setting moves between the past (when his mother was alive and he was a child) and the present (where he mourns her loss), with an ultimate transition to a symbolic, idealized afterlife where his mother now resides in peace.
The imagery of a “gallant bark” reaching a peaceful shore suggests a metaphorical setting of eternal peace, free from the storms of life, whereas the poet’s own journey remains full of emotional distress and spiritual struggle.
Theme:
The primary themes of the poem are:
Grief and Loss: Cowper mourns the death of his mother and reflects on the emotional impact of her loss. The poem captures the deep sorrow and longing that comes with losing a loved one.
Memory and the Past: The poem emphasizes the power of memory. The speaker is able to recall vivid images of his mother and the love she gave him, which provides him with comfort even after her death.
The Afterlife: There is a recurring theme of the afterlife, where Cowper imagines his mother at peace, far away from the turmoil of life. This spiritual journey and her final rest become a source of comfort to the speaker.
The Passage of Time: The poem explores the theme of time, particularly how it both heals and intensifies grief. Cowper reflects on the passage of time, his memories of his mother, and the inevitable reality of death.
Spiritual Comfort and Hope: Despite the deep sorrow, Cowper finds solace in the belief that his mother is in a better place. The poem conveys a sense of hope, particularly through the idea of reunion in the afterlife.
Plot:
Beginning: The speaker begins by reflecting on his mother’s picture. He wishes her lips could speak and comfort him once again. The image of her face brings back memories of her love and affection from his childhood.
Middle: The speaker recalls the emotional pain of her death. He wonders if she was aware of his sorrow when she passed away. He reflects on the sorrowful moments of her funeral and his long period of grief following her loss. The speaker also remembers the comfort he found in her presence and the many ways she showed him love during his childhood.
Climax: The speaker transitions from deep mourning to a kind of spiritual acceptance. He imagines his mother’s soul reaching a peaceful shore, free from the storms of life. While he still struggles with his own emotional distress, the thought of his mother’s peace gives him some relief.
End: The poem ends with a sense of resolution. The speaker acknowledges that time has passed and that his mother is now beyond his reach. However, he finds comfort in the thought that she is in a better place, and the memory of her love continues to soothe him. The speaker also reflects on his pride in being the son of parents who have passed into heaven, finding a sense of spiritual worth in their legacy.
Tone:
The tone of the poem shifts from deep sorrow and mourning to one of peaceful acceptance and spiritual reflection.
Sorrowful and Grieving: The speaker begins in a tone of sadness as he mourns his mother’s death and the loss of her physical presence.
Reflective and Nostalgic: As the speaker recalls memories of his mother, the tone becomes more reflective. He remembers the love and care she showed him during his childhood.
Spiritual and Hopeful: Towards the end of the poem, the tone becomes more hopeful and spiritually uplifting. The speaker imagines his mother in a peaceful afterlife, which brings him some comfort, despite his own struggles.
Resigned: There is a sense of resignation in the final stanzas, as the speaker accepts the passage of time and the inevitability of death, while finding solace in the belief that his mother is safe and at peace.
Style:
Language: The poem is written in formal, elevated language typical of 18th-century poetry. Cowper uses a blend of both poetic and reflective language to convey deep emotional and spiritual themes.
Imagery: Cowper’s use of vivid and symbolic imagery (such as the “gallant bark” and the serene afterlife) helps to convey his complex feelings about life, death, and the afterlife.
Metaphor: The metaphor of the ship and the calm shore is central to the poem’s style, representing the mother’s peaceful afterlife and the speaker’s emotional journey.
Personification: Time is personified, and the sea is also given agency, driving the speaker’s ship of life “devious” and “tempest-toss’d.” This adds a layer of depth to the speaker’s struggle.
Reflection: The poem is introspective, focusing on the speaker’s personal journey of grief, memory, and eventual acceptance.
Message:
The Power of Memory and Love: The speaker shows that even after death, the love and care of a mother can continue to provide comfort through memory.
Acceptance of Death: While the speaker is in deep mourning, he eventually finds peace in the idea that his mother is in a better place, beyond the struggles of life and death.
Spiritual Hope: The poem conveys the message that death is not the end but a transition to a peaceful existence. Cowper’s belief in an afterlife offers a form of comfort to the grieving soul.
The Healing Power of Reflection: Through contemplation, the speaker is able to find solace in the face of his sorrow. This suggests the power of reflection and memory in overcoming grief.
The Inevitability of Time: The poem also reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of loss, showing how, despite grief, one must learn to live with the passage of time and the inevitable separation that death brings.
William Cowper
Full Name: William Cowper
Birth and Death: Born on November 26, 1731, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England.
Died on April 25, 1800, in East Dereham, Norfolk, England.
Family Background:
Father: Reverend John Cowper, a Church of England clergyman.
Mother: Ann Cowper, who died when William was just six years old, profoundly affecting him.
Education: Attended Westminster School and Eton College.
Studied law at Inner Temple, but was never interested in pursuing a legal career.
Struggles with Mental Health: Cowper experienced recurring depression and mental illness throughout his life.
His emotional struggles led to multiple suicide attempts in his early adulthood.
After a breakdown, he was placed under the care of Dr. Nathaniel Cotton in St. Albans, where he began to recover.
Religious Influence: Cowper developed a strong Christian faith after his recovery.
He collaborated with John Newton on the Olney Hymns (1779), a collection of hymns.
His poetry often reflected his devout belief in God and explored themes of faith and divine comfort.
Literary Career: Cowper’s writing career was shaped by his personal experiences of grief, isolation, and recovery.
Major works include:
“The Task” (1785): A long poem in blank verse that discusses a range of topics, from nature to social issues.
“On Receipt of My Mother’s Picture” (1786): A deeply personal poem mourning the death of his mother and reflecting on the power of memory.
“The Diverting History of John Gilpin” (1782): A humorous poem about an ordinary man’s unexpected adventure.
“The Poplar Field”: A meditation on the impermanence of life and the passage of time.
Writing Style: Cowper’s poems are known for their emotional depth, personal reflection, and simplicity.
His style combines iambic pentameter, rhymed couplets, and a sincere voice that conveys raw emotion.
He often used nature imagery and personal experience to express universal themes.
Influence on Romanticism: Cowper’s focus on nature and emotion made him a key precursor to the Romantic poets.
His works had a strong influence on poets like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats.
Later Life: Despite ongoing mental health struggles, Cowper continued to write prolifically.
He moved to East Dereham, Norfolk, where he lived out his final years in relative seclusion, supported by his close friends.
Death and Legacy: Cowper died in 1800, leaving behind a legacy of powerful, emotionally rich poetry.
His works are still read and celebrated for their honesty, sensitivity, and connection to the human experience.
Key Themes in His Work:
Nature: Cowper’s poetry is filled with vivid depictions of nature, exploring its beauty and its healing power.
Mental Health: He frequently wrote about grief, depression, and the pain of personal loss.
Faith and Religion: His strong Christian beliefs are a central theme in many of his works, often exploring the idea of divine love and solace.
Memory and Love: Cowper’s poems reflect the power of memory, especially the memories of lost loved ones, and the eternal nature of love.
Conclusion: William Cowper is remembered as one of the greatest poets of the 18th century, whose works combine emotion, faith, and a deep understanding of the human condition.
His poetry continues to resonate with readers for its honesty, simplicity, and profound emotional impact. Cowper’s ability to translate personal suffering into universal themes of love, grief, and faith makes his work timeless.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Thee | You (archaic) | तुम / आपको |
| Thine | Your (archaic, possessive) | तुम्हारा / तुम्हारी |
| Thy | Your (archaic) | तुम्हारा |
| Oft | Often | अक्सर |
| Solaced | Comforted | सांत्वना दी |
| Distinct | Clear | स्पष्ट |
| Grieve | Feel sad | शोक करना |
| Chase | Run after | पीछा करना, भगाना |
| Meek | Humble, gentle | विनम्र, कोमल |
| Blest | Blessed | धन्य |
| Baffles | Confuses | उलझन |
| Tyrannic | Oppressive, dictatorial | क्रूर, तानाशाही |
| Quench | Satisfy | बुझाना, तृप्त करना |
| Remembrancer | Reminder | याद दिलाने वाला |
| Bidd’st | Bid, command (archaic) | आदेश देना |
| Affectionate | Loving, caring | स्नेही |
| Precept | Rule, instruction | नियम, उपदेश |
| Filial Grief | Sorrow of a child for a parent | पुत्र/पुत्री का मातृ-पितृ शोक |
| Fancy | Imagination | कल्पना |
| Weave | To interlace, Create | बुनना |
| Steep | Immerse, soak | डुबोना |
| Elysian Reverie | Heavenly daydream | स्वर्गीय स्वप्न |
| Momentary | Brief, temporary | क्षणिक |
| Thou | You (archaic) | तुम |
| Art | Are (archaic) | हो |
| Wast | Were (archaic) | थे |
| Conscious | Aware | जागरूक |
| Hover’d | Stayed nearby | मंडराया |
| Wretch | Miserable or Unhappy person | दुखी व्यक्ति |
| Gav’st | Gave (archaic) | दिया |
| Weep in Bliss | Cry out of joy | आनंद में रोना |
| Burial | Act of burying someone | दफन |
| Hearse | Vehicle carrying a coffin, Funeral Vehicle | शव वाहन |
| Nurs’ry | Nursery, child’s room | शिशु गृह |
| Drew | Pulled | खींचा |
| Sigh | Deep breath | लंबी सांस लेना |
| Wept | Cried | रोया |
| Adieu | Goodbye | अलविदा |
| Adieus and farewells | Goodbyes | विदा |
| Shore | Coast, land near water | किनारा |
| Maidens | Young unmarried women | युवतियां |
| Ardently | Passionately | उत्साहपूर्वक |
| Deceived | Tricked | धोखा दिया |
| Beguil’d | Deceived (archaic) or Tricked | ठगा गया |
| Dupe | Someone easily tricked, Fool | भोला व्यक्ति |
| To-morrow | Tomorrow (archaic spelling) | कल |
| Submission | Acceptance, surrender | समर्पण |
| My Lot | My fate | मेरा भाग्य |
| Deplor’d | Mourned (archaic) | शोक व्यक्त किया |
| Dwelt | Lived | निवास किया |
| Trod | Walked | चला |
| Delighted | Overjoyed | प्रसन्न |
| Bauble Coach | Toy coach | खिलौना गाड़ी |
| Wrapt | Wrapped or Covered | लपेटा हुआ |
| Scarlet Mantle | Red cloak | लाल चोगा |
| Velvet Capt | Velvet hat | मखमली टोपी |
| Tis | It is (archaic) | यह है |
| Past’ral | Rustic, Rural | ग्रामीण |
| Possession | Ownership | स्वामित्व |
| Outlives | Lasts longer than | अधिक समय तक टिकना |
| Storm | Violent weather | तूफान |
| Effac’d | Erased | मिटाया |
| Trac’d | Followed, recorded | दर्ज किया |
| Might’st | Might (archaic) | सकता था |
| Laid | Placed | रखा |
| Bounties | Gifts | उपहार |
| Ere | Before (archaic) | पहले |
| Confectionary Plum | Sweet treat | मिठाई |
| Fragrant | Having a pleasant smell | सुगंधित |
| Bestow’d | Gave (archaic) | दिया |
| Shone | Glowed | चमका |
| Endearing | Lovable | प्रिय |
| Cataracts | Waterfalls | झरने |
| Interposed | Placed in between | बीच में रखा |
| Legible | Readable, Clear | पठनीय, स्पष्ट |
| Frail | Weak | कमजोर |
| Scorn’d | Disdained or Rejected | तिरस्कृत |
| Vesture’s Tissued Flow’rs | Garment’s embroidered flowers | वस्त्र के कढ़ाई किए फूल |
| Jessamine | Jasmine flower | चमेली |
| Delight | Joy | आनंद |
| Ill Requite | Repay poorly | बुरा प्रतिदान देना |
| Constrain | Restrict | बाधित करना |
| Gallant Bark | Brave ship | वीर जहाज |
| Albion’s coast | England’s coast | इंग्लैंड का तट |
| Haven’d Isle | Safe island | सुरक्षित द्वीप |
| Quiescent | Calm and Still | शांत |
| Beauteous | Beautiful | सुंदर |
| Impregnated | Saturated or Filled | भरा हुआ |
| Incense Play | Aromatic air, Pleasant Smell | सुगंधित वायु |
| Fanning | Moving gently like a breeze | धीरे-धीरे हवा करना |
| Streamers Gay | Bright, cheerful decorations | रंगीन सजावट |
| Sails | Ship’s fabric for catching wind | जहाज के पाल |
| Swift | Quick | तेज |
| Tempests | Storms | तूफान |
| Billows | Large waves | बड़ी लहरें |
| Consort | Companion | साथी |
| Anchored | Moored, Secured | लंगर डालना |
| Scarce | Rare, barely | दुर्लभ |
| Port | Harbor | बंदरगाह |
| Withheld | Kept back | रोका गया |
| Distressed | Troubled | परेशान |
| Howling | Loud crying sound | चीखना |
| Devious | Roundabout, indirect | चक्करदार |
| Tempest Tossed | Thrown around by storms | तूफान से उछाला गया |
| Ript | Torn | फटा |
| Seams | Stitch lines, Joints | सिलाई |
| Thwarting | Hindering | बाधा देना |
| Prosperous | Successful | समृद्ध |
| Boast | Pridefully talk | डींग मारना |
| Deduce | Conclude, derive | निष्कर्ष निकालना |
| Loins | Body part near hips, Waist Area | कमर |
| Enthron’d | Seated on a throne | सिंहासन पर |
| Pretensions | Claims | दावे |
| Unrevok’d | Unchanged | अपरिवर्तित |
| Wonted | Usual | सामान्य |
| Contemplation | Deep thought | चिंतन |
| Sought | Looked for | खोजा |
| T’ | To (archaic) | को |
| Sin | Wrongdoing | पाप |
| Violating | Breaking rules | उल्लंघन करना |
| Fancy | Imagination | कल्पना |
| Mimic Shew | Imitated show | नकली प्रदर्शन |
| Sooth | Comfort | सांत्वना |
