Alberto Garcia-Figueroa

It’s a Woman’s World” Summary

Are women really seen as equals in today’s society? Are they maximizing their potential to go forth in the world? In the poem “It’s a Woman’s World” by Eavan Boland it illustrates how women were not allowed to do anything that did not involve home maintenance and how women did not care much and/or abandoned their dreams of excelling further than being just the common housewife.

The poem states that women were not allowed to be anything more than a mother and housewife. For years, women were not allowed to be on the scene when history was taking place (men were doing great things to be remembered by), then women make the excuse well we were not allowed to be there so it is not our fault. Back then they would rather be safe in their home while the husbands were out making it happen. The whole poem says that women are not willing to take the risks and challenges outside of the household.

Eavan Boland stresses the point that women at some point did not take the challenge to better themselves in society and excel. By saying she is no “fire-eater” meaning women would not like to take the risk and try to accomplish more because they are afraid of failure. It can mean way back then but I believe also now in the present how women are seen as “equal” but yet  it is looked down if women reach a certain level and exceed it.

I believe than even though society says that women and men are equal that is not completely accurate. Based on everyone’s beliefs women could be successful but to a certain degree. This is the main point that I believe Eavan Boland tries to portray in “it’s a Woman’s World”.

Dear Eavan Boland,

            Your poem was really interesting and I believe it had to do with more than just how society views women. It could be viewed as how society has seen minority groups such as; Mexicans, African Americans, Arabic’s, etc. Your poem I believe relates to the fact that people are contemplated as equals but yet, society still sets boundaries on how far you can go (or stereotypes). An example would be, Mexicans, an equal to everyone else in society but, to society if one happens to make it, it is seen as wrong.

            Being recognized as a not only as male (who is not supposed to excel in the classroom), but a Hispanic male I was not expected to make it into a university. In society’s point of view I was to barely graduate from high school and possibly make it into community college. Well I defied that stereotype. I graduated from high school with honors and I was accepted into 3 Cal state’s, and 2 UC’s. Another way I can relate to what your poem illustrates towards views on women and society as a whole. I am a Hispanic male attending the California state university of Northridge. When I was in high school I was part of the football team but at the same time taking advance placement courses. The first day I stepped into class the teacher said, “a football player huh, we will see how long you last in here.” I would later go on to receive a B in the course. My teacher didn’t believe I would last just because I was a football player, I was distinguished as a “dumb jock” or someone who has schoolwork done for them. I however earn everything I receive and strive for excellence.

            Your poem I can argue had more meaning than just women not taking risks and going further than what is expected in society. I could relate to what you illustrate in “It’s a Woman’s World.” I enjoyed reading your poem very much it was really intriguing.

Sincerely,

Alberto Garcia-Figueroa

English 113A-poetry dis.

Roses are red violets are blue... To be or not to be.. I am Sam I am I eat green eggs and Ham.. What I think makes these poems a poem is that it comes from the heart, made from love, humor, and truth. I would define poetry as something that comes from the heart whether it rhymes or not. The way I would explain learning poetry is analyzing what someone put down on a piece of paper and trying to understand what they were feeling/thinking at that moment, and figuring out if it has a double meaning.

I believe there are many different types of poetry so it is rather hard to say whether it is popular or not. I would say although, overall, poetry is popular in my opinion. I think that is because, many people consider MUSIC poetry and music has become a way to identify ones personality in todays era. There are many pieces of poetry thtat cannot be seen as poetry right away. (People just writing down there thoughts can be a form of poetry.)

The first poem that I have ever read would have to be, in a note that I received in elementary in the 5th grade. Rose are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you. It was an experience, a weird but good experience. The first thing that came to mind was "wow, this is really corny." The way I look at poetry now is that every part of it must have a double meaning to it and I always look for figures of speech. It doesnt affect the way I look at it but rather enhances the look I see poetry because, it allows me to understand what I'm reading more.

What I was taught and stressed more than anything about poetry was figures of speech. Figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, hypeboles, onomatopeia, etc. I was also taught the many different forms of poetry like sonnets. I learned how to analyze and see poetry a step forward than what it is.

What I learned about poetry outside of the classroom would mainly have to be that poetry comes from your thoughts and heart, and your thoughts put on paper. That is what poetry is. It doesnt have to rhyme or follow certain guidelines.

I have written a couple poems. A couple in english and in spanish as well. I would have to present them in class which is a little hard when you are presenting your thoughts in front of your peers for the first time. Most people liked them, they got a kick out of them, I usually try to humor my audience while at the same time be serious. Writing poems versus reading poems is somewhat of a challenge. The first time I had to write my own it took me hours just to write down the couple of sentences. However, I am beginning to get the hang of it.