“Me, Polly Garter, under the washing line, giving the breast in the garden to my bonny new baby. Nothing grows in our garden, only washing. And babies. And where's their fathers live, my love? Over the hills and far away. You're looking up at me now. I know what you're thinking, you poor little milky creature. You're thinking, you're no better than you should be, Polly, and that's good enough for me. Oh, isn't life a terrible thing, thank God?”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from Dylan Thomas's play, "Under Milk Wood," the character Polly Garter reflects on her life as a mother, surrounded by mundane tasks like washing clothes and caring for her baby. She seems resigned to her circumstances, acknowledging the absence of fathers in their lives and expressing a sense of acceptance with her lot. Polly's reflection on the hardships of life is tinged with a sense of gratitude, suggesting a complex mix of resignation and resilience in the face of adversity. This quote highlights the themes of motherhood, responsibility, and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly bleak existence.
Modern Relevance
In this poignant passage from Dylan Thomas's "Under Milk Wood," Polly Garter reflects on the struggles of single motherhood, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life. Despite the passage being written in the mid-20th century, its themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience still resonate in modern society. It serves as a reminder of the enduring challenges faced by many mothers today, highlighting the strength and beauty found in the midst of adversity.
Example of Usage
In Dylan Thomas's poem "Under Milk Wood," Polly Garter reflects on her life as she nurses her baby in the garden. The quote showcases the complexity of Polly's emotions as she grapples with the challenges of motherhood and the absence of her child's father. Throughout the poem, Thomas masterfully captures the bittersweet realities of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
Reflection Questions:
As you reflect on this passage from Dylan Thomas' "Under Milk Wood," consider the following questions:
- How does Polly Garter's description of her life and motherhood make you feel?
- What do you think Polly means when she says "nothing grows in our garden, only washing. And babies."?
- How does the imagery of the washing line and the garden contribute to the overall mood of the passage?
- In what ways do you think the absence of fathers in the lives of these babies impacts Polly Garter and the community as a whole?
- How does Polly's final statement, "Oh, isn't life a terrible thing, thank God?" resonate with you? What do you think she means by this?
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