Naoise at Four: Poet & Context

Contextual Understanding - “Naoise at Four”

Eavan Boland was an Irish poet noted for writing about issues related to Irish identity, womanhood, and the juxtaposition of past with present.
Boland’s personal life is often reflected in her poetry. “Naoise at Four” is no exception as Boland had two daughters, one named Eavan and other Naoise.
Boland’s writings frequently challenge traditional views that exclude female experiences. In “Naoise at Four”, she focuses on her role as a mother and her relationship with her daughter.
The social and political climate of Ireland frequently appears in Boland’s work. However, “Naoise at Four” is less directly political than many of her poems, focusing more on personal and familial love.

The poem reflects maternal love and concern as Boland watches her young daughter grow. She shows a keen awareness of the fleeting moments of childhood and the inevitability of change.
Boland explores the theme of innocence and experience, debuting the concept of childhood innocence and contrasting it with the knowledge and sufferings of adulthood.
The poet uses vivid imagery to highlight the beauty and simplicity of a child’s world, creating a sense of longing to preserve these elements which are bound to fade with time.

The use of first-person narrative voice in “Naoise at Four” underscores the personal aspect of Boland’s poetry. Her subjective feelings and perceptions form the heart of the poem.
Like much of Boland’s work, “Naoise at Four” is filled with meticulous imagery. The simple and domestic scenes portrayed resonate with depth and meaning.
Boland’s use of metaphors and similes brings to life the fleeting moments of her daughter’s childhood and the mother’s wish to capture these moments.
Her conscious choice of simple language echoes the theme of childhood innocence underscoring the universal nature of the themes encountered.

Quote 1: “Your hair, a tossed wave, spills Revels in the fleeting beauty of a child’s innocence and connects to the wider themes of change and the passage of time.
Quote 2: “You are always moving away Forms a poignant image of continual growth and change, highlighting the transient nature of childhood.
Quote 3: “I want to put my hand on your hair and say: Stop.” Asserts the poet’s longing to capture and preserve the blissful moments of her child’s innocence.