Naoise at Four: Themes & Linking Poems

Themes in “Naoise at Four”

“A bed. A child. A half open book.” - The poem begins with a triad of seemingly simple elements which, through Boland’s deft storytelling, transform into symbols of childhood innocence, the power of the imagination, and the profound bond between a mother and her child.
“The mythmaker: the dreamer” - Naoise, the child in the poem, is referred to as both these things. This description elevates her goes beyond her literal childhood state, characterising her as an active participant in the creation of her own mythology and narrative.
“She turns to the window. A constellation is her consolation.” - Boland uses astronomy as a metaphor for hope and exploration, expressing the idea that Naoise, though young, is capable of deep reflection and finding solace in the enormity of the universe.

This poem’s parent-child relationship theme connects it to Boland’s poem “The Pomegranate”, wherein Boland uses her own narrative as a mother to reframe the classical myth of Persephone and Demeter, representing a similar exploration of mythmaking and parental connection.
“Naoise at Four” can also be paired with Boland’s poem “This Moment”. Both share a focus on the minute, intimate moments a mother experiences with her child, creating a sense of both warmth and temporal urgency. These moments are fleeting but transformative, shaping both the child and the mother’s understanding of the world.