10. ‘Prayer Before Birth’ — Louis MacNeice
Summary:
An unborn child prays to be protected from the corruption, cruelty, and violence of the outside world. The child lists fears of losing individuality and becoming part of a mechanized, brutal society. The poem is a desperate cry for innocence and goodness in a world marked by evil.
Analysis:
- The poem explores existential fears about human cruelty and loss of self.
- Written during World War II, it reflects deep anxieties about society’s future.
- The child’s voice is both innocent and prophetic — warning against the evils awaiting him.
- The growing intensity mirrors the growing complexity and horror of the world.
Key Techniques:
- Dramatic monologue from the unborn child’s perspective — unusual and powerful.
- Use of imperatives (“Protect me,” “Provide me”) to emphasize helplessness and need.
- Anaphora (“I am not yet born”) gives a rhythmic, almost chant-like urgency.
- Dark imagery (blood-baths, executioners) highlights human destructiveness.