For centuries, female writers have been creating works associated with patriarchal tendencies that happen in our society. Women from different eras and different walks of life all seemed to know that their life was ultimately a conformity to the likings of men. Some of the greatest writers (arguably, of all time) have dealt with their share of indifference based solely on their gender.
These are some short stories and poems that have a significant impact on the values of non- conforming women and what it is like to be a woman.
Goblin Market by Chirstini Rossetti
(from Poetry Foundation)
This poem showcases the need for women to have each other’s back. Laura and Lizzie go to extreme lengths to protect one another and to help the other thrive. Shouldn’t all women be more like that? Read the poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44996/goblin-market
The Applicant by Sylvia Plath
(from Poetry Foundation)
Plath is known for being a feminist in her works. She criticizes how women are constantly objectified by men, along with the typical roles of women. She has written that she did not want to fulfill these roles; she simply wanted to not be completely dependent on a man for her existence. In this particular poem, she conveys a satire of modern conventions. It is an interesting read, and you can find it here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57419/the-applicant
The Legacy by Virginia Woolf
(from Wikipedia)
Woolf captures the essence of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet in The Legacy, except it’s not the parents keeping the lovers apart; it’s the husband. This short story is definitely worth the read, and you can find it here: https://biblioklept.org/2014/05/27/the-legacy- virginia-woolf/
They Shut Me Up in Prose – (445) by Emily Dickinson
(from Poetry Foundation)
As a rebellious writer, to begin with, Dickinson reiterates the struggles faced by many female writers during her era. As a woman, she was silenced in many aspects; however, this poem shows the freedom in which she discovers this silence. You can read the short poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52196/they-shut- me-up- in-prose- 445
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
This poem is empowering. As written in the title, Angelou portrays how she is a phenomenal woman. She gracefully creates images that all women can relate to. She takes physical and emotional strengths that woman possess and creates it into a poetic masterpiece. You can read the poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48985/phenomenal-woman
A Double Standard by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Although this poem was written around 1895, it can still be relatable to women today. This poem shows how harshly chastised women are compared to men in most aspects of life – especially in regard to sex. This is an uplifting poem for all women, and it can be found here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52449/a-double- standard
A Woman Speaks by Audre Lorde
This poem is meant to open up a dialogue for a feminist movement. It is a song of experience for women of color all around the world. It is Lorde’s truth on her own experiences, and she is willing to share her perspective so that others may try to put themselves in her place. You can read this exceptional poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42583/a-woman- speaks