Woman's Portion by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of loss, regret, and despair through the voice of a woman reflecting on her unfulfilled love and the burdens of motherhood. The imagery of nature, such as shivering leaves and dreary rain, mirrors her emotional state, emphasizing a sense of hopelessness and longing. In the first section, the speaker laments the absence of a loved one, expressing sorrow and a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of grief. The dialogue with the morning and mist reveals her internal struggle, as she grapples with the shame associated with her situation and the societal judgment of her circumstances. The refrain of weariness underscores her exhaustion from the emotional turmoil. As the poem progresses, the speaker's dreams become a metaphor for lost possibilities, encapsulated in the imagery of a closed book. The relentless rain and wind symbolize the external forces that amplify her sorrow, while her responses to these elements reveal a deep sense of regret for the love she has lost and the life she could have had. The repeated desire for death reflects her profound despair and the weight of her unfulfilled desires. Overall, the work captures the complexities of a woman's emotional landscape, intertwining personal anguish with broader themes of societal expectations and the consequences of love. The tone remains consistently melancholic, reinforcing the idea that the woman's portion in life is one of suffering and unfulfilled longing.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Romanticism · 525 words
First lines
I. The leaves are shivering on the thorn, Drearily; And sighing wakes the lean-eyed morn, Wearily.
I press my thin face to the pane, Drearily; But never will he come again. (Wearily.)
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Woman's Portion is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Romanticism, Melancholic, Existential
- Length: 525 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and imagery.
- Lyrical — The poem conveys personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyrical poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and nature align with Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotional depth and individual experience.
- Melancholic — The tone and themes reflect sadness, regret, and longing, which are central to melancholic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Feminism · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Women's Rights · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Societal Expectations · Domestic Life · Romance