'Sexism' by David Lehman
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Valentine Place1996The happiest moment in a woman's life
Is when she hears the turn of her lover's key
In the lock, and pretends to be asleep
When he enters the room, trying to be
Quiet but clumsy, bumping into things,
And she can smell the liquor on his breath
But forgives him because she has him back
And doesn't have to sleep alone.The happiest moment is a man's life
Is when he climbs out of bed
With a woman, after an hour's sleep,
After making love, and pulls on
His trousers, and walks outside,
And pees in the bushes, and sees
The high August sky full of stars
And gets in his car and drives home.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Sexism by David Lehman: A Critical Analysis
Poetry, Sexism is a collection of essays by David Lehman, a prolific poet and critic. The book, published in 2007, delves into the role of gender in poetry, particularly how male poets have historically dominated the field.
Introduction
The book begins with Lehman acknowledging that the topic of sexism in poetry is a contentious one. He asks, "Is it possible to separate the art from the artist?" He notes that some readers and critics believe it is important to consider the gender of the poet, while others believe that the poem itself should be evaluated solely on its own merit.
Lehman argues that we cannot ignore the gender of the poet, as it is an integral part of their identity and experience. He writes, "Gender is always present, whether acknowledged or not. To ignore it is to perpetuate the inequalities of the past."
Historical Context
The first essay in the book, "Sexism and American Poetry," provides a historical overview of how male poets have dominated the field since its inception. Lehman discusses how women poets have been marginalized and often overlooked, despite their talent and contributions to the literary canon.
Lehman notes that even when women were able to publish their work, they were often pigeonholed into writing about domesticity or relegated to the realm of "women's poetry." He writes, "Women poets were not seen as individuals with unique voices and experiences, but rather as representatives of their gender."
The Male Gaze
Lehman also explores the concept of the "male gaze" in poetry. He notes that male poets have often written about women from a perspective that is objectifying and demeaning. Women are often portrayed as passive objects of desire, rather than complex individuals with their own agency and desires.
Lehman writes, "The male gaze is not just a visual phenomenon, but a way of seeing that permeates our culture. It is a way of looking at the world that sees women primarily as objects to be desired or conquered."
Reclaiming the Female Voice
Throughout the book, Lehman highlights the work of women poets who have challenged the male-dominated literary canon and reclaimed their voices. He writes about poets such as Adrienne Rich, Sylvia Plath, and Anne Sexton, who wrote about their experiences as women in a male-dominated world.
Lehman notes that these women poets were often criticized for writing about "personal" topics, as if their experiences were not valid or important. He writes, "This dismissal of women's voices is a form of sexism that has been perpetuated for centuries."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry, Sexism is an important work that sheds light on the role of gender in poetry. Lehman's essays are thoughtful and insightful, and his analysis of the ways in which women poets have been marginalized and objectified is both necessary and timely.
Lehman's work serves as a reminder that the literary canon is not fixed, but rather constantly evolving. By highlighting the work of women poets and challenging traditional notions of what constitutes "good" poetry, Lehman encourages us to be more inclusive in our literary tastes and to recognize the contributions of all poets, regardless of their gender.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Sexism: A Critical Analysis
David Lehman's "Poetry Sexism" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the issue of sexism in poetry. The poem is a commentary on the way women are often portrayed in poetry, and how this portrayal perpetuates sexist attitudes and reinforces gender stereotypes. In this article, we will analyze the poem in detail and explore its themes and messages.
The poem begins with a provocative statement: "Poetry is a male preserve." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Lehman goes on to explore the ways in which poetry has historically been dominated by men. He notes that "the great poets are men," and that women have been relegated to the role of "muses" or "objects of desire."
Lehman's use of language is particularly effective in conveying his message. He uses words like "preserve" and "relegate" to suggest that women have been excluded from the world of poetry, and that their role has been limited to that of passive objects. He also uses the word "muse" to describe the way women are often portrayed in poetry, suggesting that they are there to inspire men rather than to be active participants in the creative process.
Lehman goes on to describe the way women are often portrayed in poetry, using vivid imagery to convey his message. He notes that women are often depicted as "flowers" or "birds," and that their bodies are objectified and sexualized. He also notes that women are often portrayed as "madonnas" or "whores," suggesting that they are either pure and innocent or sexually promiscuous.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Lehman reflects on his own experiences with sexism in poetry. He notes that he has been guilty of objectifying women in his own poetry, and that he has often used women as "props" in his work. He also notes that he has been influenced by the sexist attitudes of the poets who came before him, and that he has struggled to break free from these attitudes.
Lehman's willingness to acknowledge his own complicity in perpetuating sexist attitudes is a powerful aspect of the poem. It shows that he is not simply pointing fingers at others, but is willing to take responsibility for his own actions. This is an important message for anyone who wants to challenge sexism in any field, as it shows that change begins with self-reflection and self-awareness.
The poem ends on a hopeful note, as Lehman suggests that there is a way forward. He notes that there are women poets who are challenging the status quo and creating work that is both powerful and feminist. He also suggests that men can learn from these women and begin to create work that is more inclusive and respectful of women.
Overall, "Poetry Sexism" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to think critically about the way women are portrayed in poetry. It is a call to action for poets and readers alike, urging us to challenge the status quo and work towards a more inclusive and respectful world. By acknowledging his own complicity in perpetuating sexist attitudes, Lehman shows us that change is possible, and that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society.
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