Song Meaning
This short, sharp poem frames a question about physical size and perceived worth, directly addressing the perceived disparity between Miss Davies and Mrs. A. The initial query, 'why she had been formed so little, and Mrs. A—so big,' sets up a literal contrast that the speaker immediately reframes. It’s a classic setup for a witty, insightful retort.
The core of the poem lies in its redefinition of value. Instead of size equating to importance, the speaker invokes a divine architect to suggest the opposite. The implied answer to 'why God made the gem so small?' is that its inherent preciousness demands a more refined, less ostentatious form. This contrasts directly with the 'huge granite,' which, by implication, is less valued.
The poem’s genius is in its swift, almost epigrammatic turn. It uses a simple, relatable observation – differences in physical stature – and elevates it to a theological and philosophical point about intrinsic worth. The comparison to a gem and granite is a powerful, concise metaphor for how true value isn't always the most visible or the largest.
Ultimately, the effectiveness hinges on this unexpected, elegant justification. It transforms a potentially awkward or even insulting observation into a compliment, suggesting Miss Davies’s smallness is a sign of her superior, more precious nature. The poem argues that rarity and refinement, not bulk, are the true measures of something valuable.
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