De La Cruz Pulls No Punches - Week 2 Analysis
In the poetry crafted by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz she would often detail the plight of women during her time. This plight is one felt both before the 17th century from which these poems come, and after; tracing to this very day. While I am a man and will never claim to fully comprehend the sexism or unfair standards held against woman (after all, someone can't fully understand a situation/feeling without experiencing it firsthand); I do make a point in seeking out the perspective of women who endure these unjust facets of life. In seeking these points of perspective from individuals like Roxane Gay or my own mother, I'm able to better understand and take action, lending a helping hand in the fight no matter how small a contribution it is. In reading Philosophical Satire: Poem 92 by de la Cruz the reader is provided a raw, imagery filled bite of unbridled frustration regarding the fight against unfair expectation, inequality and sexism that resonates to this very day.
The themes of unfair expectation is on full display in de la Cruz Poem 92, she displays the "damned if you do, damned if you don't" nature some men held against the female gender then (and still do now), as blatantly spelled out in the following stanza:
The themes of unfair expectation is on full display in de la Cruz Poem 92, she displays the "damned if you do, damned if you don't" nature some men held against the female gender then (and still do now), as blatantly spelled out in the following stanza:
You combat their firm resistance,
and then solemnly pronounce
that what you've won through diligence
is proof of women's flightiness (9-12)
I enjoy the flow between no pulled punches, straight forward stanza's such as the one above that then contrast with imagery filled, metaphor based stanza's. One of those imagery based stanza's that struck me the most details men's hand in creating such unattainable expectation:
Whose behavior could be odder
than that of a stubborn man
who himself breathes on the mirror
and then laments it is not clear? (21-24)
This stanza perfectly depicts the hypocrisy associated with imposed expectation. How can a man so fervently criticize an action, clothing ect, that they themselves have had a hand in instituting (breathes on the mirror/laments it is not clear). De la Cruz brims with furry at times, running the gamut of different experiences throughout her 68 line venting session. This poem is without a doubt my favorite of the bunch because of how effectively she toggles between straight forward idea and metaphor/imagery. All of these elements of theme, imagery and metaphor string together perfectly in projecting her idea of the uphill battle women face. Perhaps, whats most impressive is her willingness to take a stand and publish such art containing this content, when I'm sure it unfortunately provoked the ire of many. De la Cruz and Philosophical Satire: Poem 92 are an inspiration; another woman's art/perspective to add towards a systematic battle for equality.
Hey Oscar! I really enjoyed your analysis of De La Sor's poem! I love how you describe expectations of women as "damned if you do and damned if you don't" because I feel that's exactly how it was. As I read her poem, I felt that most of her criticism of men were for their ridiculous behavior, many of which included these unreasonable expectations for women. I too was pretty surprised that she had her poem published publicly and I felt that it would have triggered many people backed them but at the same time I'm glad that she did because the fight for women's rights has to start somewhere and you can 't ever get anything done by staying quiet.
ReplyDeleteOscar I really enjoyed you analysis of De La Sor's poem because you divide into the most important points she was trying to convey in her writing. Also I enjoyed when you gave your perspective but you did it in such a respectful way. Stating not your opinion sole but actually talking to women to understand their perspective. You also explained the quotes extremely well and I really enjoyed your use of the word brim genus way of use with the adjective of being angry
ReplyDeleteCeasar,
ReplyDeleteI thought this poem was very cut throat as well and I love the way she used imagery to convey the messages about men. Her use of words really depicts the battle that women face. I cannot argue with anything that was said in the poem. It is hard to understand these poems as men, but we can do our best to understand their side and fight against sexism.
-Patrick