Ever wondered what marriage was really like for women in...
English Literature273 views·Updated 9 Jul 2026·2 pagesThe Farmer's Bride: Comprehensive Analysis
Maja@majaroberts_sclj
1
of 2
The Farmer's Story Begins
This poem hits you straight away with its uncomfortable truth - the farmer chose his bride, but she never had a say in the matter. Written from the farmer's perspective, it's a narrative poem that tells the story of a marriage of convenience rather than love.
The bride's reaction is immediate and heartbreaking. She becomes "afraid of love and me and all things human," which Mew cleverly shows through a simile comparing her to "the shut of a winter's day" - cold, closed off, and lifeless. Notice how the woman has no name or identity throughout the entire poem, highlighting just how powerless women were during this period.
Things get even more disturbing when she tries to escape. The language Mew uses - "chased her, flying like a hare" and "caught her, fetched her home at last" - makes it sound like they're hunting a wild animal rather than dealing with a terrified woman. The farmer then literally locks her up to prevent another escape attempt.
Key Point: The alternating rhyme scheme breaks down at crucial moments, mirroring how the bride's life has been completely disrupted and fragmented by this forced marriage.
2
of 2
Trapped Like a Wild Animal
The second half reveals just how isolated and fearful the bride has become. She's comfortable with animals and nature but terrified of men, especially her husband. Mew uses powerful animal imagery throughout - comparing her to a mouse, showing how she's become prey in her own home.
The most beautiful yet tragic section uses a series of similes to describe her: "Shy as a leveret, swift as he, / Straight and slight as a young larch tree." These comparisons to young, wild things emphasise her need for freedom and her connection to nature rather than human relationships.
The poem's ending becomes increasingly desperate as the farmer's sexual desire builds to an uncomfortable climax. The broken rhythm and repeated exclamations about "the brown of her" show his obsession turning almost threatening. Mew deliberately leaves us with this unsettling cliffhanger.
Remember: The colour imagery throughout the poem reinforces the bride's link to the natural world - she belongs outdoors, not trapped indoors in a marriage she never wanted.
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English Literature273 views·Updated 9 Jul 2026·2 pagesThe Farmer's Bride: Comprehensive Analysis
Maja@majaroberts_sclj
Ever wondered what marriage was really like for women in Victorian times? "The Farmer's Bride" by Charlotte Mew gives us a chilling glimpse into a woman's world where choice didn't exist and love was just a luxury most couldn't afford.
1
of 2
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The Farmer's Story Begins
This poem hits you straight away with its uncomfortable truth - the farmer chose his bride, but she never had a say in the matter. Written from the farmer's perspective, it's a narrative poem that tells the story of a marriage of convenience rather than love.
The bride's reaction is immediate and heartbreaking. She becomes "afraid of love and me and all things human," which Mew cleverly shows through a simile comparing her to "the shut of a winter's day" - cold, closed off, and lifeless. Notice how the woman has no name or identity throughout the entire poem, highlighting just how powerless women were during this period.
Things get even more disturbing when she tries to escape. The language Mew uses - "chased her, flying like a hare" and "caught her, fetched her home at last" - makes it sound like they're hunting a wild animal rather than dealing with a terrified woman. The farmer then literally locks her up to prevent another escape attempt.
Key Point: The alternating rhyme scheme breaks down at crucial moments, mirroring how the bride's life has been completely disrupted and fragmented by this forced marriage.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Trapped Like a Wild Animal
The second half reveals just how isolated and fearful the bride has become. She's comfortable with animals and nature but terrified of men, especially her husband. Mew uses powerful animal imagery throughout - comparing her to a mouse, showing how she's become prey in her own home.
The most beautiful yet tragic section uses a series of similes to describe her: "Shy as a leveret, swift as he, / Straight and slight as a young larch tree." These comparisons to young, wild things emphasise her need for freedom and her connection to nature rather than human relationships.
The poem's ending becomes increasingly desperate as the farmer's sexual desire builds to an uncomfortable climax. The broken rhythm and repeated exclamations about "the brown of her" show his obsession turning almost threatening. Mew deliberately leaves us with this unsettling cliffhanger.
Remember: The colour imagery throughout the poem reinforces the bride's link to the natural world - she belongs outdoors, not trapped indoors in a marriage she never wanted.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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111987
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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