The Triumphs of Love
A common theme that is found in several of Blewett’s poems is the beauty and triumph of love. In “For He Was a Scotch and So Was She,” the narrator describes the simple love that is shared between a Scottish man and woman. In this poem, their love is described in great detail. The narrator explains that the couple’s marriage was simple but successful. The two never gossiped with the neighbors, kept to themselves, and always made up after an argument. So pure and genuine was their love, the narrator suggests, that they are still married and living together in heaven. Similarly, in “Her Portrait,” the narrator describes a young girl, whose features and temperament were so beautiful that she must have been hand-painted by Love—or God—himself. In this way, Blewett characterizes love as a beautiful and innocent emotion, one that is moving and all-encompassing.
Beauty
This theme is evident throughout several of Blewett’s poems. In “Her Portrait,” Blewett describes a young girl whose beauty is so striking and pure that the narrator is convinced she must have been hand-painted and crafted by God, himself—the maker of all beauty and love. The narrator explains that the young girl’s beauty is so captivating that the brightness the lives of those around her and instills in them a sense of joy. This theme is also evident throughout the poem “Margaret,” which is entirely about a woman’s physical attributes. In this poem, the narrator begins by listing everything about Margaret that is physically attractive and appealing. He or she explains that she has remarkable eyes, beautiful golden hair, defined cheekbones, and luscious lips. Despite all of this, the narrator notes, her looks are deceiving, for they conceal a blackened and dark heart and personality.
The Tricks of Love
Though several of Blewett’s poems speak to the triumphs and beauty of love, he also touches upon the dangers and tricks of love. In “Margaret,” the narrator describes a woman’s beauty. The woman, named Margaret, is described as having remarkable and beautiful physical attributes—luscious lips, beautiful eyes, and golden hair. The narrator describes his fascination with this woman and explains the way in which he covets her deeply. And yet, Blewett chooses to close the poem by pointing out that—despite the woman’s physical beauty—her heart and mind are cold as ice. She does not exhibit compassion, nor inner beauty. In this way, Blewett speaks to the dangers of love, as love—or the illusion of love—can blind us to the dangers of our own imaginings.
