Grown-Up by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Grown-Up
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the theme of disillusionment with adulthood and the loss of youthful aspirations. The speaker reflects on the contrast between their past desires and the mundane reality of adult life. They express frustration over the constraints and expectations that come with growing up, feeling trapped in a routine that stifles their spirit. The imagery of domesticity, represented by the metaphor of a plate, symbolizes the dullness and predictability of their current existence. As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the sacrifices made in pursuit of maturity, questioning whether the struggles and prayers of their youth were worth the outcome. The tone oscillates between bitterness and resignation, highlighting the internal conflict between the desire for freedom and the responsibilities that accompany adulthood. The speaker's longing for the vibrancy of youth contrasts sharply with the reality of their current life, leading to a sense of nostalgia and regret. Ultimately, the work serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, capturing the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations. The speaker's reflections resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of growing up, making it a universal exploration of the human condition.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1928 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Modernism · 41 words

First lines

Was it for this I uttered prayers, And sobbed and cursed and kicked the stairs, That now, domestic as a plate, I should retire at half-past eight?

What this Textopian page supports

Grown-Up is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1928 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1928 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Modernism, Confessional, Social Commentary
Length: 41 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of adulthood, domesticity, and personal reflection.
Literary Fiction — The poem delves into complex emotional and social themes, characteristic of literary fiction.
Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and the mundane aspects of life.
Confessional — The personal and introspective nature of the poem aligns with confessional poetry.