Answer

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Narrative Poem
    O well have we done the old tasks! in the old, old ways of earth.     We have kept the house in order, we have given the children birth;     And our sons went out with their fathers, and left us alone at the hearth!     We have cooked the meats for their table; we have woven their cloth at the loom;     We have pulled the weeds from their gardens, and kept the flowers in bloom;     And then we have sat and waited, alone in a silent room.     We have borne all the pains of travail in giving life to the race;     We have toiled and saved, for the masters, and helped them to power and place;     And when we asked for a pittance, they gave it with grudging grace.     On the bold, bright face of the dollar all the evils of earth are shown.     We are weary of love that is barter, and of virtue that pines alone;     We are out in the world with the masters:    we are finding and claiming our own!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of women's domestic roles and their yearning for recognition and autonomy. The poem's themes revolve around the traditional labors of women - housekeeping, childbearing, nurturing, and the subservience that's often attached to these roles. The tone is one of defiance and determination, signaling a departure from the past and a reclaiming of women's power.

The structure of this poem is linear, progressing from the past, traditional roles, to the present, where women are breaking free from the constraints. Repetition, a key literary device, is used to emphasize the monotonous and thankless tasks women have historically performed. The phrase "we have" repeated at the beginning of many lines underscores the labor and contributions of women, often overlooked or taken for granted. The final stanza culminates in a powerful declaration of independence, signaling a shift from the passive, waiting figures of earlier stanzas to active agents seeking equal standing. The poem, thus, presents a vivid picture of women's struggle and their ultimate quest for independence and respect.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.