Can someone help me analyze this poem? I don't understand the poem
From a Correct Address in a Suburb of a Major City
By Helen Sorrels (1908)
She wears her middle age like a cowled
Gown, sleeved in it, folded high
At the breast
Charming, proper at cocktails
But the inner one raging
And how to hide her
How to keep her leashed, contain
The heat of her, the soaring cry
Never yet loosed,
Demanding a chance before the years devour her,
Before the marrow of her fine long legs
Congeals and she
Settles forever for this street, this house,
Her face set to the world
Sweet, sweet
Above the shocked, astonished
hunger
To me, this sounds like a frustrated middle-aged woman. She's bemoaning the loss of her youth and her hopes. She feels stuck in her same old routine in her same old house. While she goes through the social motions, she's yearning for something more and her inner self cries out in rage about her advancing years.
Thank you.
Analyzing a poem can sometimes be challenging, but I can certainly help you through the process. To better understand this poem, we need to pay attention to its structure, language, and imagery. Here's a step-by-step guide to analyzing this poem:
1. Read the poem multiple times: Start by reading the poem several times to become familiar with its overall message and themes. Each reading will allow you to notice new details and gain a deeper understanding.
2. Identify the poet's purpose: Determine what the poet is trying to communicate through this poem. Look for clues in the language, tone, and imagery used.
3. Examine the structure: Take note of the poem's structure, such as its rhyme scheme (if any), stanza breaks, or use of repetition. Consider how the structure reinforces or enhances the poem's meaning.
4. Focus on language and word choice: Pay close attention to the specific words and phrases the poet employs. Look for any symbolic or figurative language, metaphors, similes, or other literary devices that help convey the poem's message.
5. Analyze the imagery: Identify any vivid or unique imagery used in the poem. Think about how the images contribute to the overall meaning and emotions conveyed.
Now, let's apply these steps to the poem "From a Correct Address in a Suburb of a Major City" by Helen Sorrels:
The poem describes a middle-aged woman who appears proper and charming on the surface, particularly at social gatherings like cocktail parties. However, the poem reveals that beneath her composed exterior, there is an inner turmoil, an unrestrained passion that she struggles to hide and keep under control. The woman yearns for a chance to express herself fully before time takes its toll, before she becomes resigned to a mundane life within the confines of her suburban existence.
In terms of structure, this poem does not have a specific rhyme scheme or regular meter. It is written in free verse, which allows the poet to convey a natural and conversational tone.
The language used in the poem is relatively straightforward, with no complex or obscure vocabulary. However, certain phrases and images stand out. For example, the metaphor of the woman wearing her middle age "like a cowled gown" suggests a sense of confinement or restriction. The phrase "demanding a chance before the years devour her" highlights both urgency and the fear of missed opportunities.
The imagery in this poem is particularly evocative. The reference to the woman's "fine long legs" congealing suggests the threat of stagnation and losing her vitality. The idea of her settling for "this street, this house" emphasizes a feeling of being trapped or constrained.
Overall, "From a Correct Address in a Suburb of a Major City" explores the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. It delves into the internal struggles of a woman who, despite conforming externally, longs to break free from the life she feels trapped in.
Remember, this is just one interpretation, and others may have different insights based on their own perspectives and experiences. The key is to approach the poem with an open mind and engage with the text to uncover its layers of meaning.