Hymen by Hilda Doolittle (1921)
The poem explores the theme of female identity and the societal expectations placed upon women. It describes a woman's experience of being bound by her physical appearance and the constraints of marriage. The speaker reflects on the fragility of her hymen, a symbol of her virginity, and how it is seen as a prized possession by society.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Classical · 2,856 words
First lines
_As from a temple service, tall and dignified, with slow pace, each a queen, the sixteen matrons from the temple of Hera pass before the curtain -- a dark purple hung between Ionic columns -- of the porch or open hall of a palace. Their hair is bound as the marble hair of the temple Hera. Each wears a crown or diadem of gold._
_They sing -- the music is temple music, deep, simple, chanting notes: _
What this Textopian page supports
Hymen is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilda Doolittle, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Hilda Doolittle
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Classical, Modernist, Feminist
- Length: 2,856 words
- Structure: 1 section, 68 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Hymen by Hilda Doolittle
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse with a focus on lyrical expression and imagery.
- Drama — The text includes elements of performance, such as stage directions and choral singing, suggesting a dramatic presentation.
- Classical — The themes and style are heavily influenced by classical Greek traditions, including references to mythology and structured choruses.
- Modernist — The work reflects modernist tendencies through its experimental form and symbolic language.
Tags
Modernist poetry · Symbolism · Femininity · Marriage · Sexuality · Identity · Autobiographical · Stream-of-consciousness · Free verse · Experimentation · Imagery · Sensuality