Mary, Pity Women! by Rudyard Kipling
The poem presents a woman's lament over a failed romantic relationship, expressing deep feelings of betrayal and despair. The speaker confronts her lover, who has abandoned her, leaving her to bear the shame of their union. She grapples with the pain of love and the inevitability of heartbreak, reflecting on the nature of men and their tendency to break promises when they grow tired. Throughout the verses, the speaker oscillates between love and hatred, revealing her emotional turmoil. She acknowledges the futility of grieving for a love that has turned sour, recognizing that her mother likely foresaw the outcome of her relationship. The refrain, invoking Mary to "pity women," underscores a sense of shared female suffering and the cyclical nature of such experiences. The speaker's bitterness is palpable as she reflects on the imbalance in love, where the more one gives, the less one receives in return. She feels trapped by her circumstances, questioning her worth and the societal stigma attached to her situation. The desire for recognition and legitimacy in her relationship is evident, as she longs for a name and acknowledgment rather than being labeled as a fallen woman. Ultimately, the poem captures the raw emotions of love, loss, and the harsh realities faced by women in a patriarchal society. The speaker's plea for understanding and compassion resonates as she confronts the harsh truths of her experience, leaving a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and the burdens women carry.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1911 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Romance · 585 words
First lines
You call yourself a man, For all you used to swear, An' leave me, as you can, My certain shame to bear? I 'ear! You do not care -- You done the worst you know. I 'ate you, grinnin' there. Ah, Gawd, I love you so!
Nice while it lasted, an' now it is over -- Tear out your 'eart an' good-bye to your lover! What's the use o' grievin', when the mother that bore you (Mary, pity women! ) knew it all before you?
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Mary, Pity Women! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1911 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 585 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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- A Second Rate Woman by Rudyard Kipling
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- Consequences by E. M. Delafield
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- The Doomswoman by Gertrude Atherton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and dialogue-driven nature suggest dramatic themes and conflicts.
- Romance — The exploration of love, betrayal, and emotional turmoil indicates romantic elements.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal norms regarding gender and relationships, reflecting social issues.
Tags
feminism · gender roles · society · victorian era · women's rights · patriarchy · social commentary · literary criticism · short story · human relationships · empathy · suffering