Blazing the trail for a new philosophy is always a challenge; however, the task becomes excruciating when the idea in question is as unpopular as the concept of feminism at the dawn of its development. Edna St. Vincent Millay was one of the few American poets who managed to skewer the social status quo with her incisive and insightful works. By discussing the themes of gender roles, sexuality, and sex, Millay promotes a groundbreaking notion of a woman being at the helm of her own life in the poem titled “I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed.”
The poem incorporates a number of metaphors to explore the themes of gender roles, sexuality, and sex. For instance, the concept of gender roles is subverted by Millay mentions the urge to “bear your body’s weight upon my breast,” implying her desire to take the role of a leader in relationships (Millay, 1923, line 5). Similarly, Millay (1923) renders the themes of female sexuality and its expression as she describes her feelings with the following epithets: “undone, possessed” (Millay, 1923, line 8). Finally, mentioning “the needs and notions of my kind,” Millay (1923, line 2) renders the complexity of the female sex and the oppression that she suffers as a result of it.
With her bold analysis of the themes of gender norms, female sex, and sexuality, Millay pokes holes at the patriarchal notions of womanhood and encourages personal and political agency in women. The poem uses various metaphors to masterfully express the complicated and confused feelings that the protagonist experiences. Thus, “I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed” makes an important statement about the absurdity of gender roles and the importance of female agency.
Reference
Millay, E. (1923). I, being born a woman and distressed. PoetryFoundation.org.