Poetry

For years women have been labelled by the vast population of men as parental beings fit only for the home and customary sorts of past times such as sowing and cooking. This dominant discourse of being a woman has altered in response to society’s adaptations over time. Poetry in the past and in today’s world has allowed not only women but also men to convey their own values and beliefs as to a woman’s role and place in society. Three poems have been selected to expose a dominant, alternative and oppositional view of the female identity. Indisputably, these poems have arisen many hidden meanings and ideas according to the text and discourses apparent in each poem, which will be further discussed.

The first poem to begin this exposition, written by Judith Wright, entitled ‘Women to Child’ uncovers the dominate discourse of the stereotypical nurturing mother. The poem describes a women’s joy in bearing a child and also through examination, gives the impression of how mothe...