"The Ordinary Women" by Wallace Stevens is a poem that explores themes of transformation and escape from monotony. The poem begins with women rising from their impoverished conditions, leaving behind their mundane lives, and entering a world of opulence and fantasy. They move through palace walls, shedding monotony and embracing a nocturnal realm filled with music and moonlight. The women are depicted as studying the "heavenly script" and engaging with the mysteries of life and desire. The poem contrasts their previous poverty with the richness of their new experiences, highlighting the allure of beauty and the arts. The imagery of guitars, moonlight, and luxurious attire underscores the theme of transcendence and the pursuit of a more vibrant existence.
By Wallace Stevens · First published 1923 · Genre: Modernist Poetry, Surreal Poetry, Symbolist Poetry