"The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint"

James Fenton's quote, "The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint", provides a nuanced perspective on the duality of motherhood, capturing the complex emotional dynamics between a mom and her child. At its core, the quote shows the notion that a mom shifts in between roles viewed as frustrating or requiring-- represented by the "troll"-- and nurturing or flexible-- embodied by the "saint.".

The "troll" here might represent moments when the mom is overwhelmed by fatigue, aggravation, or the oppressive responsibilities of caregiving. In fairy tales, ogres are frequently illustrated as powerful and challenging figures, and Fenton skillfully utilizes this images to identify those difficult times when moms may feel less client or thoughtful, dealing with their human limitations.

In contrast, the "saint" is emblematic of the idealized understanding of motherhood as a source of boundless love, convenience, and selflessness. Saints are often connected with pureness, persistence, and devotion, qualities that align with the nurturing aspects anticipated of a mother. Through the act of singing a lullaby, which works as the "spell", the mom attempts to bridge these 2 roles, relaxing both the child and herself.

The lullaby, then, ends up being more than just an approach to lull a child to sleep; it is a transformative routine that allows the mother to reveal her care and tenderness, therefore reaffirming her identity as a protector and comforter. The act of carefully singing to a child is as much about soothing the child as it has to do with bring back the mom's sense of peace, enabling her to fix up with her imperfections and aspirations.

Fenton beautifully encapsulates the intricate dance of motherhood, highlighting its struggles and redemptive power through a poetic lens. This improvement from "ogre" to "saint" highlights the mother's journey towards discovering balance within the challenges and happiness of nurturing a kid, while at the same time using forgiveness to herself for the moments when she falls short of her own expectations.