The Third & Fourth Generation

[Knot]

Hi Lizzie,

thanks for the explanations.

No, everything is through the paternal lineage.

And yet there's no 'dad' in the piece. Maybe this is why I thought he might be the mom's father.

causing widespread confusion.

It certainly doesn't seem to be making a positive contribution.

The last two lines are an attempt to explain the sudden coming and going.

If the poem hasn't done that by now (and I think it probably has) these don't explain so much as complain. They also state something (unsparing rod) which isn't shown in the rest of the poem.

It's a kind of self-discipline,

We might quibble over 'self-discipline' but it certainly seems a sad state of affairs.

Just to butt in on the 'raising' issue. There isn't an example in the poem of him actively doing anything that might be easily understood as 'raising'. He turns up (or not) expects to be served then leaves when it suits him. Not seeing what contribution he actually makes (to the family of N.)

Best, Knot

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