Ova Begins to Take Notice
The work explores the complex interplay of identity, consciousness, and societal expectations through the lens of a child's perception. It begins with a vivid portrayal of instinctual drives and the awakening of awareness in a young girl, who navigates a world filled with both wonder and oppression. The imagery of fire, light, and color symbolizes her burgeoning consciousness, while the references to maternal figures and authority highlight the constraints imposed by societal norms. As the child grapples with her surroundings, she experiences a sense of dislocation and confusion, marked by the juxtaposition of vibrant imagery and the dullness of her reality. The narrative captures her struggle to articulate her emotions and thoughts, often resorting to fragmented language and abstract concepts. This reflects the limitations of her understanding and the inadequacy of words to convey her experiences. The presence of maternal figures is significant, as they embody both nurturing and oppressive forces. The mother’s unnatural demeanor suggests a tension between maternal instinct and societal expectations, while the nurse's resigned draperies symbolize the constraints of femininity. The child’s observations of these figures reveal her growing awareness of gender roles and the complexities of adult relationships. Throughout the work, the child’s imagination is juxtaposed with the harshness of reality. Her attempts to create meaning from her experiences often lead to feelings of alienation and despair. The recurring motif of color serves as a metaphor for her emotional state, with vibrant hues representing joy and dull tones signifying oppression. The narrative culminates in a moment of existential reflection, as the child confronts the ephemeral nature of her experiences. The imagery of decay and disappearance underscores the fragility of identity and the relentless passage of time. Ultimately, the work presents a poignant exploration of the formation of self in a world that often stifles individuality and creativity. The child’s journey is one of seeking connection and understanding amidst the chaos of existence, highlighting the tension between personal desire and societal constraints.
By Mina Loy · First published 1914 · Genre: Modernist Poetry, Surrealism, Feminist Literature · 1,146 words
First lines
A faggot of instincts that within the year rises the caryatid of an idea Two elongations of its will arm -- crave the curious glare virile behind unravelable wire The staring baby stumbles to the fire Her consciousness sluggish to raucous surfaces of necessities quickens to colour -- thrusts of the quintessent light -- -- - -until a woman's ineludable claws of dominion lift her above the Elysian fields of flame in a receding prison of muscular authority an agency for displacing the finer aspects of the objective in her sight and turning to shame the nucleus -- -in infantile impotence- -- of Primeval Right The suctional soul clings to the vari -- pinct universe With its reverse of increate shadow into which all elating shows recede or roll A crimson ball bouncing to her spontaneous psalms of happiness rolls into non- -- - being under the aera- -- - ivy's diaper of rain- -- - pocked dust She must make her a rose out of red thread but red ness is inadequate to the becoming of a rose - The- -- red- -- reel- -- rolls- -- - --
What this Textopian page supports
Ova Begins to Take Notice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Mina Loy, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Mina Loy
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Modernist Poetry, Surrealism, Feminist Literature, Experimental Literature, Symbolism
- Length: 1,146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Genres
- Modernist Poetry — The work exhibits characteristics of modernist poetry, including fragmented structure, stream-of-consciousness, and exploration of identity and consciousness.
- Surrealism — The imagery and themes reflect surrealist elements, with dream-like sequences and a focus on the subconscious.
- Feminist Literature — The text addresses themes of female identity, authority, and societal roles, aligning with feminist literary discourse.
- Experimental Literature — The unconventional style and form challenge traditional narrative structures, characteristic of experimental literature.
Tags
Modernist Literature · Experimental Fiction · Stream-of-Consciousness · Feminist Themes · Psychoanalytic Theory · Surrealism · Autobiographical Elements · Fragmented Narrative · Non-Linear Structure · Inner Monologue · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis