In her poem The School Children, Louise Gluck effectively portrays the children, their mothers, and their societal role. Through simple yet descriptive language, Gluck suggests a deeper meaning beyond the surface story of the poem. The narrative revolves around mothers picking apples and sending their children to school with them, hoping for educational opportunities in return. However, after reading the poem, one realizes that the apples serve as the focal point, embodying the poem’s underlying significance. Gluck employs straightforward wording and images to cloak within the apples a concealed message that resonates with the reader. In the first stanza, Gluck describes the collected apples as “words of another language,” implying that they convey an alternate meaning, perhaps expressing the mothers’ thoughts, emotions, or intentions. This line prompts readers to question the true symbolic nature of the apples.Gluck’s portrayal of the apples suggests a deeper significance than what is initially apparent in the poem, indicating that the poem itself holds additional layers of meaning. Consequently, Gluck not only employs descriptive language to imply significance, but also aims to evoke excitement.
By using the apples as a metaphor for words of another language, Gluck effectively conveys the gravity and importance of the situation in her poem. Through her choice of diction and imagery, Gluck tantalizes the reader’s curiosity and maintains the satisfaction of teachers. Additionally, she cleverly presents the apples as ammunition, further enhancing the underlying message without explicitly stating it. In summary, Gluck skillfully employs the deceptive power of apples, combined with her masterful use of language and imagery, to convey a profound meaning in a distinctive and engaging manner.
