How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
If for thy father askt, say, thou hadst none; (22)
This line has “single mom” written all over it. It has miracle written all over it too. The speaker “gave birth” without any male intervention. This is definitely a plug for female artistic ability and power.
Quote #5
And for thy mother, she alas is poor,
Which caused her thus to send thee out of door. (23-24)
The “mother” is “caused” to send her book away. She doesn’t do it voluntarily, which implies that, in general, women aren’t always in control of their artistic destiny. There are larger forces at work.