At the heart of the poem “Mother Love” lies an exploration of Demeter’s intense maternal devotion and the accompanying grief she experiences. This narrative is particularly evident in the poem’s second stanza, which closely mirrors a segment from the ancient Greek "Homeric Hymn to Demeter." Here, the poet intricately weaves the mythological story into a broader discourse on the profound and multifaceted nature of a mother’s love. The poem not only delves into the unwavering bond between mother and child but also unveils the intricate dynamics that characterize relationships between mothers and daughters. Through this lens, the collection Mother Love expands on these themes, revealing the complexities and depth inherent in maternal relationships.

In exploring the intricacies of Demeter's character, Dove presents a multifaceted portrayal that transcends simplistic interpretations. Central to this portrayal is the episode involving Demeter and Demophoön, as recounted in the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter." Contrary to some critics' oversight, the narrative does not culminate with a horrific image of the child being roasted alive. Instead, it concludes with an indignant Demeter bestowing upon Demophoön the promise of "imperishable honor" in adulthood—a testament to her enduring protective instincts and complex emotional landscape.

This protective instinct underscores the goddess's maternal pride and delight in nurturing children, yet it is tinged with disdain for the inevitable march towards adolescence. The last lines of the first stanza reveal Demeter's contempt for the adolescent phase, marked by its immature romances and nascent heroism, which she perceives as fraught with the perils of sexuality—the "smoky battlefield." Her refusal to acknowledge this natural progression, particularly in Persephone's context, reflects a deep-seated denial of her daughter's sexual awakening.

In an abrupt thematic shift within the poem, the focus moves starkly away from Persephone, emphasizing Demeter's repressive mental state. This deliberate change underscores her refusal to confront memory, as she channels her grief and loss into the adoption of another child—a son instead of a daughter, thus circumventing any reminder of her absent Persephone. The surrogate child becomes a substitute, through whom Demeter attempts to defy the inevitability of death and protect against destruction, in stark contrast to Persephone's experience with Hades. By making him impervious to mortality, she enacts her resistance against the cycle of life and death that claimed her daughter.

Thus, Dove’s depiction of Demeter is not one-dimensional; it captures the goddess's struggle between acceptance and denial, illustrating her profound internal conflict as she grapples with loss and the harsh realities of motherhood. This interpretation of Demeter’s character offers a vivid exploration of her psyche, weaving a narrative rich in complexity and emotional depth.

Demeter's perpetual dilemma embodies a poignant exploration of maternal love, navigating the intricate dynamics between memory and reality. The poet poignantly portrays Demeter's struggle, revealing the duality of her daughter's evolution—from an innocent child to a self-sufficient adult with her own vulnerabilities and desires. This transformation traps Demeter in a cycle of love fraught with ambiguity and the harsh truths of life, a cycle that defies any straightforward resolution or "cure to perfection." In this unforgiving circle, Demeter must reconcile her protective instincts with the autonomy her daughter claims.

Rita Dove, with her Pulitzer Prize-winning insight, immerses herself in this complex thematic exploration within her collection Mother Love. Through a dedication that bridges generations—"FOR my mother TO my daughter"—Dove situates herself within the same charged emotional space Demeter inhabits. In doing so, she invites readers to contemplate the perpetual ebb and flow of maternal relationships, marked by an inherent tension between holding on and letting go. Dove's work transcends a simple narrative, instead weaving a rich tapestry of themes that reflect on the universal experiences of love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time.