She Contrasts with herself Hippolyta
The poem explores the tension between a woman's inner and outer selves, with Hippolyta embodying both aspects. The speaker describes her as having a "tiger" within, symbolizing her wild and untamed nature, yet she also presents a more refined and civilized exterior. This dichotomy highlights the societal expectations placed on women to conform to certain standards of behavior while still maintaining their individuality.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Feminist Literature · 513 words
First lines
Can flame beget white steel -- / ah no, it could not take / within my reins its shelter; / steel must seek steel, / or hate make out of joy / a whet-stone for a sword; / sword against flint, / Theseus sought Hippolyta; / she yielded not nor broke, / sword upon stone, / from the clash leapt a spark, / Hippolytus, born of hate.
What did she think / when all her strength / was twisted for his bearing; / did it break, / even within her sheltered heart, a song, / some whispered note, / distant and faint as this:
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism.
- Mythology — The text references mythological figures like Hippolyta, Theseus, and Artemis, drawing on themes from classical myths.
- Feminist Literature — The narrative explores themes of female strength, autonomy, and resistance, particularly through the character of Hippolyta.
- Modernist Literature — The style reflects modernist tendencies with its fragmented structure, introspective tone, and exploration of complex emotions.
Tags
Modernist poetry · Symbolism · Feminine identity · Self-discovery · Inner conflict · Psychological complexity · Stream-of-consciousness narrative · Free verse · Experimentation with form · Imagery-rich language · Metaphorical expression · Contrast and juxtaposition
What this Textopian page supports
She Contrasts with herself Hippolyta 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, Mythology, Feminist Literature, Modernist Literature, Drama
- Length: 513 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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