Written in the early 1860s after losing his wife, Coventry Patmore's poem discloses the oscillating feelings of severity and tenderness that were so prevalent in his personality. He went to visit William Barnes in Dorchester as each had recently lost their wives and were now widowers with a similar number of children. This poem reflects Old and New Testment ideas in its structure, and, Patmore's "Toys" were probably the trappings of this world, which would be no more than "toys" in the eyes of God.
After having a go at interpreting the poem yourselves, read this interpretation English Teacher Man.
