'Sexism' by David Lehman
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The 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
Sexism by David Lehman: A Critical Analysis
David Lehman's "Sexism" is a classic poem that has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation since its publication. The poem is a powerful commentary on the issue of sexism, exploring the various ways in which women are oppressed and marginalized in society. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's themes, motifs, and literary devices to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Theme of Sexism
The most obvious theme of the poem is sexism, which is defined as discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping on the basis of gender. The poem provides a scathing critique of the ways in which women are treated in society, from the way they are objectified and sexualized to the way they are silenced and marginalized. Lehman's poem highlights the insidious nature of sexism, showing how it is woven into the fabric of our culture and how it serves to perpetuate inequality and oppression.
Motifs of Objectification and Sexualization
One of the key motifs in the poem is objectification and sexualization. Lehman uses vivid and often disturbing imagery to illustrate the ways in which women are reduced to mere objects of male desire. For example, he writes:
'The breasts of a woman are pools of desire That tempt the unwary to quench their thirst'
This line is particularly powerful because it highlights the way in which women's bodies are seen as objects to be consumed and used for male pleasure. The idea of women's bodies as "pools of desire" is both alluring and dehumanizing, suggesting that women exist solely for the gratification of men.
Literary Devices and Techniques
To convey his message, Lehman employs a variety of literary devices and techniques. One of the most striking is his use of imagery, which is both vivid and unsettling. For example, he writes:
'The eyes of a woman are two shining stars That draw men to them like moths to a flame'
This use of simile creates a powerful image of women as objects of male desire, with their eyes acting as a magnetic force that draws men to them. By comparing men to moths, Lehman suggests that they are helpless in the face of women's beauty, reinforcing the idea of women's powerlessness and vulnerability.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition, which serves to underscore the poem's themes and motifs. For example, Lehman repeats the phrase "A woman is" several times throughout the poem, each time adding a different descriptor. This repetition serves to emphasize the multifaceted nature of sexism, showing how it operates in different ways to oppress and marginalize women.
Interpretation of Sexism
At its core, "Sexism" is a powerful indictment of the ways in which women are oppressed and marginalized in society. By using vivid imagery and repetition, Lehman is able to convey the insidious nature of sexism and its damaging effects on women's lives. The poem is a call to action, urging readers to recognize and challenge the ways in which sexism operates in their own lives and in society as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Sexism" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that has much to teach us about the nature of sexism and its impact on women's lives. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and other literary devices, the poem conveys the insidious ways in which women are objectified, sexualized, and marginalized in society. Ultimately, the poem is a call to action, urging readers to recognize and challenge sexism in all its forms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sexism is a classic poem written by David Lehman that explores the issue of gender inequality in our society. This poem is a powerful commentary on the pervasive nature of sexism and how it affects women in all aspects of their lives. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the themes and motifs of the poem and explore the ways in which Lehman uses language and imagery to convey his message.
The poem begins with the line, "Sexism is alive and well in America." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader's attention to the issue at hand. Lehman is making a bold statement here, one that is meant to shock and provoke the reader into thinking about the ways in which sexism is still prevalent in our society.
Throughout the poem, Lehman uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent of these devices is repetition. The phrase "Sexism is" is repeated several times throughout the poem, each time followed by a different example of how sexism manifests itself in our society. This repetition serves to emphasize the pervasiveness of sexism and to drive home the point that it is not just a problem in one area of our lives, but rather something that affects us all.
Another literary device that Lehman employs in the poem is imagery. He uses vivid and often disturbing images to illustrate the ways in which sexism affects women. For example, he writes, "Sexism is the catcall on the street, the wolf whistle in the park, the groping in the subway." These images are powerful and unsettling, and they serve to make the reader feel the same sense of discomfort and unease that women feel when they are subjected to this kind of harassment.
Lehman also uses irony in the poem to highlight the absurdity of sexism. He writes, "Sexism is the belief that women are inferior to men, even though women are smarter, stronger, and more resilient." This statement is ironic because it is true, and yet it is also completely false. Women are not inferior to men, and yet they are often treated as if they are. Lehman is pointing out the absurdity of this belief and challenging the reader to question it.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way in which Lehman uses language to convey his message. He uses simple, direct language that is easy to understand, but he also employs a variety of rhetorical devices to make his point. For example, he uses alliteration in the line, "Sexism is the subtle, insidious, silent killer of dreams." This repetition of the "s" sound serves to emphasize the insidious nature of sexism and to make the reader feel its weight.
Lehman also uses metaphor in the poem to illustrate the ways in which sexism affects women. He writes, "Sexism is the glass ceiling that keeps women from reaching their full potential." This metaphor is powerful because it conveys the idea that women are capable of achieving great things, but they are held back by an invisible barrier that is created by sexism.
In conclusion, Sexism is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges the reader to think about the ways in which gender inequality affects our society. Through his use of repetition, imagery, irony, and language, David Lehman conveys a message that is both urgent and important. This poem is a call to action, a reminder that we still have a long way to go in the fight for gender equality. It is a poem that should be read and discussed by everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background.
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