In a close analysis of “The Mother’s Charge” By Charlotte Anna Perkins Gilman one can realize that it is a poem that is profound about issues that women go through in the name of duty as a mother and wife in homes. The poet explores the things that women do and aligns them to a position of being housekeepers to depict the reality of what happens in reality. The poem is a unique message to women to keep the zeal of always doing something and being persistent even the though it will not always be easy. The poem is a direct relation to the life of the poet who despite going through various challenges ranging from family to illness she managed to strike a balance by being both a mother and a wife. She gives advice to her daughter who in this case can be any girl who will one day be a full grown woman with duties and responsibilities as a wife and mother. The poem gives counsel on how to be a good woman who is proactive in taking care of the family for instance the poet states “Begin at once — don’t iron sitting down— Wash your potatoes when the fat is brown— Monday, unless it rains — it always pays” (Gilman line 9-11). They are words of encouraging a woman not to be lazy but rather active in their roles as they are beneficial. On the other and the poem depicts a tired and worn out woman and bored about the responsibilities that follows her. The first stanza is a clear indication that she is tired and pessimistic about life. She rants about her thoughts of death and it is an indication of desperation and hopelessness. Despite the pessimism the poet wants to leave a message to her daughter.
The poem speaks directly to my life although I am a single woman without children I will one day settled down to be a wife and a mother. When I look at the life of the woman in the poem I understand why at home I would do much as compared to my brothers it is because I am a woman who is supposed to handle a lot and it begins right from home. The poet states that she knows she will die and that is the reason she wants to advise her daughter implying that even when I am at home and a single woman responsibility awaits me. I realize that even before being a mother or wife I have to be oriented and advised on what to expect and I now understand why my mother keeps on having such talks with me and not my brothers.
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In looking at “Housewife” by Sexton the theme of love, relationship and marriage are explored. The poem has utilized poetic methods such as personification, symbolism and imagery among others. The poem explores the life of a woman who is married to her husband and also to the house. The house has been personified with humanistic aspects and the poem has sexual references that connect to the woman as a housewife. It depicts an abusive relationship that married women go through. They are treated as sexual objects and demeaned by men. I can relate this to my life although I am not married a experience it at the work place where men think women are always available for sex. It is an aspect that makes women look inferior while men are accorded the superior position. It justifies the reason why sexual assault is rampant in today’s generation at school, homes and at the work places.
