Dialogue: Edward

"The curse of hell from me shall ye bear,
Mother, Mother,
The curse of hell from me shall ye bear,
Such counsels you gave to me, O."

The entire poem is spoken in dialogue which makes it somewhat more difficult to uncover the emotions behind the actions that take place in the poem. However, it also makes the poem more personal. It is a discussion between Edward and his mother, beginning with her realization that he must have killed something, for he is holding a bloody sword. He tells her that he has killed his hawk, but she knows that he is lying because it's blood is not the same color as that upon the sword. Next he tells her he killed his steed, but she knows he is lying because he would not be this sad about one horse dying since he has so many others. Then he finally comes clean and tells her he has killed his father. She asks him what penance he will serve for this. But, the irony in her question is the fact that she was the one who commanded him to do the killing. By ordering him to kill his own father she gave him "the curse from hell" for he has sinned severely, but she still expects him to do penance. For this, he is resentful. How can the woman who ordered him to commit the act feel no remorse but question his own form of penance? In the beginning of the poem, the boys loyalty rested with the mother. But once she becomes accusatory, he is sorry for killing his father, and turns against her instead. He originally tried to hide his sin from her, but she knew the truth and when she found out that he had obeyed her, she acted as though he were completely insane. Because the mother gave Edward the "curse of hell" and feels no remorse or sympathy, he only wishes to return that curse to her.