Enc1102 - Essay on Women

...

It is expected of women to follow mens’ every move. Towards the end of “Women”, it is indicated that women have no choice but to wait for directions from a man. “Women should always be waiting willing to be set into motion.” declares that women are not capable of doing anything on their own and that they should always waiting. It seems as if Swenson is saying that now women should be at a standstill instead of being that “used” rocking horse. However, she says “Women should be pedestals moving pedestals to the motions of men.” The pedestals (women) are items shaped by men according to their impulses. It is predicted of a woman to accept being a pedestal for men. As Swenson says, “Women should be pedestals to men.” Nonetheless, I consider this to be irony seeing as the entire text is based off sarcasm. She is probably saying women “should” be pedestals to men but are no longer going to.

To conclude, overall women are viewed as support systems for men. However, with this title they are also viewed as the more insignificant gender. May Swenson’s tone reveals that she scornfully disagrees with that aspect of women. She feels women should be treasured and

---------------------------------------------------------------

admired, not be seen as objects or play toys for men. She forms the poem to mimic a woman’s curvaceous body, however, she doesn’t add a head or feet implying that women can’t speak, think, or move on their own.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Works Cited

Swenson, May. "Women." Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation, 11 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.