Edna St. Vincent Millay's sonnet 'I, Being born a Woman and Distressed' delves into female sexuality and desire, subverting the Petrarchan sonnet form. The poem's structure and literary techniques, such as alliteration and caesuras, emphasize the speaker's physical yearnings and intellectual control. Millay's work reflects the early 20th-century societal shifts, advocating for women's autonomy and sexual liberation, and remains a significant piece in the discussion of gender roles and female sexuality.
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The poem challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations by candidly discussing a woman's sexual desires
Use of Petrarchan structure and rhyme scheme
The poem maintains the form of a Petrarchan sonnet, but subverts its conventional use by focusing on physical desire rather than romantic love
Use of poetic devices to highlight the speaker's assertiveness and internal conflict
The poem's use of varied meter and literary devices reflects the speaker's struggle between her physical desires and intellectual control
The poem grapples with the societal expectations and personal struggles of a woman's sexuality and desire
Millay's poetry challenges traditional gender roles and advocates for sexual liberation, embodying the ideals of the "New Woman" of the early 20th century
Formalistic tendencies in Millay's poetry
While some critics have criticized Millay's formalistic tendencies, her poetry remains a powerful reflection of the changing dynamics of women's roles and the articulation of female sexuality during a pivotal period in history
Cultural and societal shifts reflected in Millay's work
Millay's poetry captures the changing attitudes towards women's roles and sexuality during the early 20th century
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Millay's collection, which includes the sonnet and won the ______ in 1923, is titled '______'.
Pulitzer Prize
The Harp-Weaver, and Other Poems
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Millay's sonnet rhyme scheme
Follows ABBAABBA CDCDCD, typical of Petrarchan sonnets.
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Use of metric variations in Millay's sonnet
Incorporates spondees, caesuras to emphasize assertiveness and desire vs. intellect.
