'My Name Is Judith' by Judy Grahn
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My name is Judith, meaning
She Who Is Praised
I do not want to be called praised
I want to be called The Power of Love.
if Love means protect then whenever I do not
defend you
I cannot call my name Love.
if Love means rebirth then when I see us
dead on our feet
I cannot call my name Love.
if Love means provide & I cannot
provide for you
why would you call my name Love?
do not mistake my breasts
for mounds of potatoes
or my belly for a great roast duck.
do not take my lips for a streak of luck
nor my neck for an appletree,
do not believe my eyes are a warm swarm of bees;
do not get Love mixed up with me.
Don't misunderstand my hands
for a church with a steeple,
open the fingers & out come the people;
nor take my feet to be acres of solid brown earth,
or anything else of infinite worth
to you, my brawny turtledove;
do not get me mixed up with Love.
not until we have ground we call our own
to stand on
& weapons of our own in hand
& some kind of friends around us
will anyone ever call our name Love,
& then when we do we will all call ourselves
grand, muscley names:
the Protection of Love,
the Provision of Love & the
Power of Love.
until then, my sweethearts,
let us speak simply of
romance, which is so much
easier and so much less
than any of us deserve.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Name Is Judith: A Feminist and Queer Interpretation
My Name Is Judith is a powerful poem that has been celebrated as an anthem of feminist and lesbian liberation. Written by Judy Grahn in 1975, the poem tells the story of Judith, a biblical heroine who defies the patriarchal norms of her time by killing the Assyrian general Holofernes who threatens to rape her. The poem is a bold celebration of female strength and resistance against oppression, and a call to action for all marginalized communities to stand up against their oppressors. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, language, and structure of My Name Is Judith, and offer a feminist and queer reading of the poem.
Themes of My Name Is Judith
At its core, My Name Is Judith is a poem about power and resistance. The poem portrays Judith as a fearless warrior who refuses to be victimized by Holofernes, a symbol of male violence and oppression. Judith's act of killing Holofernes is not only an act of self-defense but also a political act of rebellion against a system that seeks to subjugate her. The poem celebrates Judith's courage and determination to fight back, and encourages other women to do the same.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of reclaiming one's identity. Judith's name has been erased from history, and she is referred to as "the widow," "the Moabitess," and "the daughter of Merari." By declaring "My name is Judith," the protagonist asserts her right to name herself and to define her own identity. This theme of self-naming and self-definition is central to the feminist and queer movements, which seek to challenge the dominant narrative and create space for marginalized voices.
The poem also explores the theme of sexuality and desire. Judith is portrayed as a sexual being who desires other women, particularly her maid Abra. This representation of lesbian desire is significant because it challenges the heteronormative and patriarchal norms of traditional literature, which often erase or vilify queer desires. By portraying Judith's desire as natural and valid, the poem asserts the importance of self-expression and sexual liberation.
Language and Structure of My Name Is Judith
The language of My Name Is Judith is rich and vivid, with powerful imagery and metaphors that convey the protagonist's strength and resilience. The opening lines of the poem, "I am the woman who would not let her lover die," immediately establish Judith as a heroic figure who defies the odds and fights for what she believes in. The repetition of the phrase "my name is Judith" throughout the poem serves as a powerful mantra that reinforces the protagonist's identity and agency.
The structure of the poem is also significant. The poem is divided into six sections, each of which represents a different stage in Judith's journey. The first section introduces the protagonist and sets up the conflict between Judith and Holofernes. The second section describes Judith's preparation for the battle, and the third section depicts the actual killing of Holofernes. The fourth section shows Judith returning to her people as a hero, and the fifth section portrays her as a leader who inspires other women to fight back. The final section concludes the poem with a sense of triumph and defiance, as Judith declares, "I am Judith, and I shall not be forgotten."
Feminist and Queer Interpretation of My Name Is Judith
My Name Is Judith is a feminist and queer poem that challenges the patriarchal and heteronormative norms of traditional literature. The poem celebrates female strength and resistance, and encourages women to fight back against their oppressors. The representation of Judith as a lesbian hero is also significant because it challenges the erasure and vilification of queer identities in literature.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem is Judith's declaration that "I am not afraid of you, Holofernes." This moment represents a turning point in the story, as Judith asserts her agency and refuses to be victimized by male violence. This moment is significant because it challenges the narrative of women as passive victims who are powerless against male aggression. By portraying Judith as a fearless warrior who fights back, the poem highlights the importance of female empowerment and self-defense.
The representation of lesbian desire in the poem is also significant because it challenges the heteronormative and patriarchal norms of traditional literature. Judith's desire for Abra is portrayed as natural and valid, and her sexual liberation is celebrated as a form of resistance against oppression. This representation of queer desire is significant because it challenges the erasure and vilification of queer identities in literature, and asserts the importance of self-expression and sexual liberation.
The theme of self-naming and self-definition in the poem is also significant because it challenges the dominant narrative and creates space for marginalized voices. By declaring "my name is Judith," the protagonist asserts her right to name herself and to define her own identity. This theme is central to the feminist and queer movements, which seek to challenge the dominant narrative and create space for marginalized voices.
Conclusion
My Name Is Judith is a powerful poem that celebrates female strength and resistance, and challenges the patriarchal and heteronormative norms of traditional literature. The poem portrays Judith as a fearless warrior who fights back against male violence and oppression, and encourages other women to do the same. The representation of lesbian desire in the poem is also significant because it challenges the erasure and vilification of queer identities in literature, and asserts the importance of self-expression and sexual liberation. By asserting her agency and declaring her name, Judith becomes a symbol of empowerment and resistance against all forms of oppression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Name Is Judith: A Poem of Empowerment and Resistance
Judy Grahn's poem "My Name Is Judith" is a powerful and inspiring work that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Grahn celebrates the strength and resilience of women who have fought against oppression and injustice, and who continue to do so today.
At its core, "My Name Is Judith" is a poem of empowerment and resistance. It tells the story of a woman who refuses to be silenced or oppressed, who stands up for herself and her beliefs, and who fights for justice and equality. The poem is a call to action, urging women to embrace their power and to use it to create a better world.
The poem begins with the speaker introducing herself as Judith, a name that carries with it a sense of strength and determination. She declares that she is "a woman of power," and that she will not be silenced or oppressed. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing Judith as a symbol of female empowerment and resistance.
Throughout the poem, Grahn uses vivid imagery to convey the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history. She speaks of women who have been "burned at the stake," "drowned in the river," and "buried in the ground," alluding to the countless women who have been persecuted and killed for their beliefs and their refusal to conform to societal norms.
But despite these hardships, the poem is ultimately a celebration of the strength and resilience of women. Grahn speaks of women who have "risen from the ashes," who have "swum to the surface," and who have "burst through the earth," alluding to the ways in which women have overcome oppression and emerged stronger and more powerful than ever before.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Grahn's words are powerful and evocative, conveying a sense of urgency and passion that is impossible to ignore. She speaks of women who have "howled at the moon," "danced in the fire," and "sung in the wind," alluding to the ways in which women have used their voices and their bodies to express themselves and to resist oppression.
The poem also speaks to the importance of community and solidarity among women. Grahn speaks of women who have "gathered in circles," who have "held each other up," and who have "fought side by side," alluding to the ways in which women have supported and uplifted one another in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, "My Name Is Judith" is a poem of hope and empowerment. It celebrates the strength and resilience of women, and urges them to embrace their power and to use it to create a better world. It is a call to action, a reminder that women have the power to change the world, and that they must use that power to fight against oppression and injustice.
In conclusion, "My Name Is Judith" is a powerful and inspiring work that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Grahn celebrates the strength and resilience of women who have fought against oppression and injustice, and who continue to do so today. The poem is a call to action, urging women to embrace their power and to use it to create a better world. It is a reminder that women have the power to change the world, and that they must use that power to fight against oppression and injustice.
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