Conversation Between a Mother and Her Son

“Lord Randall”

- Told in Scottish dialect - Conversation between a mother and her son - Theme/Topic: murder - Son returns home from a hunting trip and only wants to lie down; mother is suspicious and wants to know where he has been and who he has dined with…he tells her his true love. Readers find out that the dogs have died (poisoned); at the end of the poem, mother is afraid that the son has been poisoned; son basically states that either his true love did it or a member of her household. - Refrain- mother’s question about what’s wrong with her son

“Get Up and Bar the Door”

- Humorous twist on the old-age battle of the sexes - Husband and wife argue over who will get up and lock the door - Finally agree the next one who speaks will have to do it - Two intruders arrive; eat the cooked food; discuss shaving off the husband’s beard and kissing the woman - The husband leaps up angry; wife jumps for joy - Husband has to lock the door - Story elements- main characters: husband and wife Setting: home Situation/Conflict: Unlocked door - Drawing conclusions: What does this argument say about the husband and wife? They are very stubborn

“Edward, Edward”

- Through questions and answers, a son reveals to his mother that he has killed his hawk, his horse, and his father; he is now going away. - Mother asks what he will do about leaving his wife and children - He declares that they can beg for their living - As he leaves, he curses the mother; implies that she advised him to kill his father - Hawk and horse – symbols – during this time, they would have been important to him as a hunter and provider (distress) - Refrain: O – imply regret, shock or dismay