Lament

The keys are an important symbol in the poem. Traditionally, keys are symbolic of opening and closing. A key represents the difference between freedom and incarceration, life and death. Keys also represent metaphorical and literal security. The speaker states that the father kept “Keys and pennies” (Line 9) in the pockets of the coat and pants he wore. The speaker first mentions the keys, and she prioritizes the metaphorical and literal security they offer over the “pennies” (Line 9), which represent the family’s financial security. The mother gives Anne, the daughter, the keys after giving Dan, the son, the father’s pennies. While Dan hold the family’s financial future “in his bank” (Line 12), Anne “shall have the keys” (Line 13) in order to “make a pretty noise with” (Line 14). The mother’s designation implies that Anne will be strong enough to unlock her own future, but she is not strong enough to be financially responsible for the family, because that must be the male’s responsibility. Bearing this interpretation, the keys possess a dual symbolism. They represent both Anne’s ability to achieve her own future, but since she is destined to “make a pretty noise” (Line 14) with the keys, she is also expected to live up to traditional expectations of females at that time.