In Wanda Why Aren't You Dead by Wanda Coleman, the theme of the poem is the treatment of black women, two words that have had negative connotations in the past. It describes the life that a black woman has had in her life.
The form describes the way in which Wanda is treated: with insults and carelessness. Almost the entire poem is just listing, without pause, all of the insults and rude thoughts of another about Wanda. The lack of interlude creates a continuous whining in the reader's mind without breath. This reveals that Wanda has been insulted her entire life, and this is practically all she knows. As a black, and a woman, she earns no respect, and is incessantly abused and slandered.
The repetition is key in furthering the mood of being surrounded by exaggerated libel. Each sentence beings with "wanda... wanda" and as ideas are repeated- the sustained insults throughout the poem- which creates an image of what Wanda's life is like. She is insignificant, not cared for, and abused. The most prevalent phrase throughout the poem are the lines "wanda why are you so angry". This is an introduction to what Wanda, as a black woman, felt on the receiving end of the insults, and how she is treated for her emotions. She reacts by feeling hurt and angry- a completely normal reaction: but this action is turned against her as she is being viewed as "crazy" and silly. She is just a foolish girl that doesn't know what's what. She is being blamed for everything.
The grammar- or lack thereof- in the poem also add a subtle touch of the treatment of black women. The use of capitalization adds to the derogatory insults that are given to Wanda. Her name is not capitalized, symbolizing the disrespect she is given: she is not even of equal value to a human. The only capitalization comes into play in line 25, "wanda you're ALWAYS on the attack", emphasizing the consistency with which she has been abused, and the effect this has had on her- she is defensive and on her guard. It also gives insight into the mind that insults her, who constantly blames her for all of his problems. The use of periods also tie into the regular insults she receives: because after each insult there is no period, it makes it seem like there is no end to the abuse she is given. At the end of the poem is the line "why ain't you dead" (29). This does not contain a period at the end, leaving an opening that the insults will not end. This reveals how women were treated, and how they felt as though there was no end to their unequal treatment.
This poem is reminiscent of the time when women and blacks were treated unfairly and rudely. Although written from the point of view from an insulter, we can clearly understand the side of the abused and the emotions they had, under the treatment they suffered through. The treatment of black women was poor, and Coleman is able to portray this in a wonderful manner.
The form describes the way in which Wanda is treated: with insults and carelessness. Almost the entire poem is just listing, without pause, all of the insults and rude thoughts of another about Wanda. The lack of interlude creates a continuous whining in the reader's mind without breath. This reveals that Wanda has been insulted her entire life, and this is practically all she knows. As a black, and a woman, she earns no respect, and is incessantly abused and slandered.
The repetition is key in furthering the mood of being surrounded by exaggerated libel. Each sentence beings with "wanda... wanda" and as ideas are repeated- the sustained insults throughout the poem- which creates an image of what Wanda's life is like. She is insignificant, not cared for, and abused. The most prevalent phrase throughout the poem are the lines "wanda why are you so angry". This is an introduction to what Wanda, as a black woman, felt on the receiving end of the insults, and how she is treated for her emotions. She reacts by feeling hurt and angry- a completely normal reaction: but this action is turned against her as she is being viewed as "crazy" and silly. She is just a foolish girl that doesn't know what's what. She is being blamed for everything.
The grammar- or lack thereof- in the poem also add a subtle touch of the treatment of black women. The use of capitalization adds to the derogatory insults that are given to Wanda. Her name is not capitalized, symbolizing the disrespect she is given: she is not even of equal value to a human. The only capitalization comes into play in line 25, "wanda you're ALWAYS on the attack", emphasizing the consistency with which she has been abused, and the effect this has had on her- she is defensive and on her guard. It also gives insight into the mind that insults her, who constantly blames her for all of his problems. The use of periods also tie into the regular insults she receives: because after each insult there is no period, it makes it seem like there is no end to the abuse she is given. At the end of the poem is the line "why ain't you dead" (29). This does not contain a period at the end, leaving an opening that the insults will not end. This reveals how women were treated, and how they felt as though there was no end to their unequal treatment.
This poem is reminiscent of the time when women and blacks were treated unfairly and rudely. Although written from the point of view from an insulter, we can clearly understand the side of the abused and the emotions they had, under the treatment they suffered through. The treatment of black women was poor, and Coleman is able to portray this in a wonderful manner.
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a little more about what you think the poem is about and what techniques the author used to show this in your introduction. Otherwise, I enjoyed your interpretation. Ms. M
I think you focus to much on her being a black women in this post. you have some good insight though about the form of the poem in particular. your last point about how the perspective of the poem is from the atackkers but its wanda who we learn about. i thought this point was really important because it shows how the people telling her what to do are insignificant to the poem, we dont know who they are at the end, but we know who wanda is. i thought your point about the last line was interesting, how the insults would continue. i was a bit perplexed by that line. there was a sense of release at the end of the , as if they finally stopped the argument and just marveled at the situation. but like you said it wasnt punctuated so there was no real sense of conclusion or definate end. i felt it showed like she had a small win with the people finally backing off a little, but she never really ever wins her battle with thier judgements.
ReplyDeleteHi Adrienne! Overall, your commentary easily conveys to me the meaning of the poem through the devices you used: form, repetition and grammar. Your introduction is a one-liner yet I think it is precise and effective. You include your interpretation of the poem and this is very good but you do not include the three devices you used to reach that interpretation. This could be added to your introduction.
ReplyDeleteYour structure is organized well. Your introduction, your three body paragraphs and your conclusion. Simple and effective and especially since your paragraphs are not extremely long, they are short and sweet. They convey your point directly.
As I mentioner earlier, your paragraphs are short and convey your point directly. Your analysis is precise and easily understandable because of the clear language you used. Your vocabulary was sophisticated but not too sophisticated because it hit the nail on the spot! In each paragraph you are constantly linking your points to what you believe the meaning of the poem.