I am ecstatic to finally see a poem from a man giving women glory. Women do not get enough credit for sticking beside their husbands, sons, and brothers through tough times. It seems to be overlooked by the world, but a man has finally given women credit. It is hard being the left to a man's right without proper credit. Sassoon writes, "You love us when we're heroes, home on leave; Or wounded in a mentionable place." (pg 1099, lines 1-2). That is right! We women do not care if you are a war hero, handicapped, or unsuccessful in all of your endeavors, we are still supportive. I'm proud to be a woman, especially after receiving the proper credit. Being a woman is hard work, but we do this as we balance being the legs of our men when they can no longer walk.
"You crown our distant ardours while we fight; And mourn our laurelled memories when we're killed." (pg 1099, lines 7-8). I couldn't have said it better myself! While our men are away at war, we still love them deeply and passionately, and our devotion never diminishes. On the other hand, if our significant other is killed, we mourn the loss of him. We remember all of their honors and accomplishments. I, along with many other women, make sure that the memory of my man is always remembered. I believe that being a woman is beautiful and Sassoon has illustrated the beauty, strength and loyalty of women in this one poem.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Mishawn,
Good focus for your discussion, but the poem does not celebrate women so much as sarcastically condemn them for encouraging the slaughter of the war. Sassoon suggests that women manipulate their men into volunteering for battle, then only want to hear about their wounds if they are in a "mentionable place" (which might mean a famous battle, or not in some unmentionable place like the testicles. Sassoon also says "You make us shells," which might mean either they facilitate the war by making the ammo, or they make shells out of their men by reducing them to hollow heroes. In any case, Sassoon is not writing the poem you discuss in this post, I 'm afraid.
or the un-"mentionable place" of a mental hospital...you did cause me to stop and look from your perspective. As I was reading this, I couldn't help wondering if you are a die hard feminist. --Melanie Evans 100% woman
Post a Comment