The Doctor Asked her what she Wanted Done

Name: The Doctor Asked her what she Wanted Done
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the emotional turmoil of a woman confronted with the death of a loved one. The narrative begins with a doctor inquiring about the woman's wishes regarding the deceased, highlighting the stark reality of death and the societal expectations surrounding it. The woman grapples with her shock at the continuation of life despite the loss, reflecting on the discomfort of funeral arrangements and the intrusion of others into her grief. As she contemplates the situation, she expresses a desire for the deceased to have lived longer, which would have spared her the chaos of mourning rituals and the unwelcome attention from acquaintances. The poem captures her confusion and vulnerability, as she admits to the doctor her lack of understanding about the processes that follow death. This admission underscores her emotional state, revealing a sense of helplessness in the face of societal norms and the finality of loss. The work delves into themes of grief, the nature of death, and the societal expectations that accompany it. The woman's internal struggle is palpable as she navigates her feelings of sorrow, confusion, and the pressure to conform to the rituals of mourning. The poem ultimately reflects on the complexities of human emotion in the wake of death, emphasizing the isolation that can accompany such experiences.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Existentialism · 138 words

First lines

The doctor asked her what she wanted done

With him, that could not lie there many days.

And she was shocked to see how life goes on

Even after death, in irritating ways;

What this Textopian page supports

The Doctor Asked her what she Wanted Done is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1934 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Drama, Existentialism, Lyrical, Contemporary
Length: 138 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure typical of poetry.
Drama — The dialogue and emotional conflict suggest elements of a dramatic narrative.
Existentialism — Themes of life, death, and the human condition reflect existentialist concerns.
Lyrical — The personal and emotional expression aligns with lyrical poetry.