Boo_
Member
i got a speech on a gwen harwood poem, so for some reason i choose "the violets" and i need to discuss a reading of it.
im doing a feminist reading, and i have some stuff, but need more, im getting about 2 - 2 1/2 mins for the speech but need between 4 - 5 mins.
this is some stuff i got so far:
When feminists read “The Violets” by Harwood, they can see clear distinctions between the female and male roles portrayed between the mother and the father. In this poem, the mother is seen as the comforter and nurturer, in the way that “she dried my tearful face as I sobbed”, where as the father is perceived as the provider and head of the household, in the way that the persona witnessed “my father, whistling, came home from work”. By having the father whistling, which is an example of onomatopoeia, it provides the father an aural immediacy to his arrival home from work, which illustrates the male dominance in society. Already it can be seen that this poem reflects the stereotypical idea of society that females belong in the home, whereas males are seen as the providers of the family, thus providing males and females an insight at where they are in the social construct. As a result, a feminist would be unimpressed so far in this poem, as it goes against every ideal a feminist fights for in the way that it imposes restrictions on what females can accomplish and undertake.
However, a feminist can take pleasure in the idea that this poem brings out the character of the mother, which results in an aura of power about the mother. Harwood emphasises the fact that the mother is not a static character, but one that is sought out in a time of need and uncertainty, and provides a relaxed and comforting atmosphere for the persona, who is confused which is evident in them asking “Where’s morning gone?” The relaxed attitude can be seen in the way that the mother’s hair is loose, and not tied up, which is symbolic of someone letting their hair down and relaxing and being unrestricted.
im doing a feminist reading, and i have some stuff, but need more, im getting about 2 - 2 1/2 mins for the speech but need between 4 - 5 mins.
this is some stuff i got so far:
When feminists read “The Violets” by Harwood, they can see clear distinctions between the female and male roles portrayed between the mother and the father. In this poem, the mother is seen as the comforter and nurturer, in the way that “she dried my tearful face as I sobbed”, where as the father is perceived as the provider and head of the household, in the way that the persona witnessed “my father, whistling, came home from work”. By having the father whistling, which is an example of onomatopoeia, it provides the father an aural immediacy to his arrival home from work, which illustrates the male dominance in society. Already it can be seen that this poem reflects the stereotypical idea of society that females belong in the home, whereas males are seen as the providers of the family, thus providing males and females an insight at where they are in the social construct. As a result, a feminist would be unimpressed so far in this poem, as it goes against every ideal a feminist fights for in the way that it imposes restrictions on what females can accomplish and undertake.
However, a feminist can take pleasure in the idea that this poem brings out the character of the mother, which results in an aura of power about the mother. Harwood emphasises the fact that the mother is not a static character, but one that is sought out in a time of need and uncertainty, and provides a relaxed and comforting atmosphere for the persona, who is confused which is evident in them asking “Where’s morning gone?” The relaxed attitude can be seen in the way that the mother’s hair is loose, and not tied up, which is symbolic of someone letting their hair down and relaxing and being unrestricted.
Dr Long-gate