“The Woman’s Cause is Man’s” the title in this poem alone grabbed me. The shift in idealism that is present in this poem reminds me of the maturity of a young boy. I expected the poem to be chauvinistic however; Tennyson starts off by laying out the duties of womanhood and the delicate and pure expectations that are expected from a woman. However the poem make a shift from subservient to equality between men and women. I like the fact that Tennyson not only appreciates the strength and beauty of womanhood but also sees that womanhood does not lack in masculinity instead the essence of womanhood serves as the yin to the yang of manhood.
Tennyson’s poem matures like a young boy who realizes that his mother is not only there to answer his every beck and call. The poem moves from a childlike mentality to a mature appreciation for the strength of women and their ability to aid man and even serve as his equal. The poem became more clear to me at the end that both man and woman are each others cause.
“ Of equal; seeing either sex alone Is half itself,
and in true marriage lies Nor equal
nor unequal, each fulfills” (Line 283-285)
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Simone,
ReplyDeleteGood focus for discussion, and some interesting observations on Tennyson's poem. I think your comments on the maturation of the speaker's view of women is insightful. You do quote a good passage to analyze at the end, but you don't let your readers in on what you think it means or how it is significant. Be sure to follow up quoted passages with analysis and discussion.