Mrs. Moody (Poem by James McIntyre)

Mrs. Moody

By James McIntyre

Mrs. Moody was a sister of the celebrated Agnes Strickland, author of "The Queens of England."

When this country it was woody,

Its great champion Mrs. Moody,

Showed she had both pluck and push

In her work roughing in the bush.

For there alone she did dwell

At time McKenzie did rebel,

Outbreak her husband strove to quell,

Her own grand struggles she doth tell.

Round bush life she threw a glory,

Pioneer renowned in story,

But her tale it is more cheering

When she wrote about the clearing.

Her other sister Mrs. Traill

Though eighty-seven she doth not fail,

She now is writing of wild flowers

Grown in Canada's woody bowers.

Notefoot:

Mrs. Traill lives near Peterboro. Mrs. Moody died in Toronto. I sent her a copy of my poems in 1885, and she thanked me for the same through a friend as she was in feeble health at the time.

Poem Analysis:

James McIntyre's poem "Mrs. Moody" pays tribute to Susanna Moodie, a pioneering writer known for her work "Roughing It in the Bush," which details her experiences as a settler in Canada. Through straightforward language and a celebratory tone, McIntyre honors both Moodie and her sister, Catharine Parr Traill, highlighting their contributions to Canadian literature and their resilience as early settlers.

Structure and Form

1. Quatrains: The poem is composed of four-line stanzas (quatrains), each with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This regular structure provides a rhythmic and accessible quality to the poem, emphasizing the narrative and the historical tribute McIntyre seeks to convey.
2. Rhyming Couplets: The rhyme scheme helps to maintain a musical quality, making the poem engaging and memorable. The consistent rhyming couplets also contribute to the poem's straightforward and clear narrative style.

Themes

1. Pioneer Spirit: The central theme of the poem is the pioneer spirit embodied by Mrs. Moody. McIntyre portrays her as a figure of "pluck and push," highlighting her determination and resilience in the face of the challenges presented by settling in a woody, undeveloped country. This theme celebrates the strength and endurance required to thrive in such conditions.
2. Literary Contribution: McIntyre acknowledges the literary contributions of both Susanna Moodie and her sister, Mrs. Traill. Moodie's "Roughing It in the Bush" is particularly noted for its vivid depiction of early settler life, while Traill's writings on wildflowers underscore her connection to the natural world of Canada. This theme underscores the importance of their works in documenting and celebrating Canadian pioneer life.
3. Female Empowerment: The poem implicitly touches on themes of female empowerment and the significant roles women played in the pioneering era. By focusing on the achievements of Moodie and Traill, McIntyre highlights the strength and intellectual contributions of women in a male-dominated society.

Imagery and Language

1. Vivid Descriptions: McIntyre uses straightforward yet vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Moodie's life and work. Phrases like "roughing in the bush" and "grown in Canada's woody bowers" evoke the rugged and natural environment in which Moodie and Traill lived and wrote. This imagery helps readers visualize the challenging yet beautiful landscapes they encountered.
2. Celebratory Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and admiring. McIntyre's language conveys respect and appreciation for Moodie's and Traill's accomplishments. Words like "great champion," "pluck and push," and "pioneer renowned in story" reflect a sense of pride and admiration for their resilience and contributions.
3. Personal Struggle: McIntyre does not shy away from acknowledging the personal struggles and challenges faced by Moodie. References to the "time McKenzie did rebel" and her husband's efforts to quell the outbreak add a historical context and highlight the dangers and difficulties of pioneer life. Moodie's own "grand struggles" are recognized, adding depth to her portrayal as a resilient and determined figure.

"Mrs. Moody" by James McIntyre is a tribute to Susanna Moodie and her sister, Catharine Parr Traill, highlighting their contributions to Canadian literature and their resilience as pioneers. Through its simple yet vivid language, the poem celebrates the pioneer spirit, the importance of literary documentation, and the significant roles played by women in shaping the early settler experience in Canada. McIntyre's poem serves as both a historical acknowledgment and a celebration of the enduring legacy of these two remarkable women.