'Penis Envy' by Erica Jong

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1975I envy men who can yearn
with infinite emptiness
toward the body of a woman,hoping that the yearning
will make a child,
that the emptiness itself
will fertilize the darkness.Women have no illusions about this,
being at once
houses, tunnels,
cups & cupbearers,
knowing emptiness as a temporary state
between two fullnesses,
& seeing no romance in it.If I were a man
doomed to that infinite emptiness,
& having no choice in the matter,
I would, like the rest, no doubt,
find a woman
& christen her moonbelly,
madonna, gold-haired goddess
& make her the tent of my longing,the silk parachute of my lust,
the blue-eyed icon of my sacred sexual itch,
the mother of my hunger.But since I am a woman,
I must not only inspire the poem
but also type it,
not only conceive the child
but also bear it,
not only bear the child
but also bathe it,
not only bathe the child
but also feed it,
not only feed the child
but also carry it
everywhere, evertwhere...while men write poems
on the mysteries of motherhood.I envy men who can yearn
with infinite emptiness

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Penis Envy" by Erica Jong: A Feminist Critique

Erica Jong's "Poetry, Penis Envy" is a masterpiece of feminist literature. The poem explores the psychological and emotional struggle of women in a patriarchal society where men are given more power and privilege than women. The poem's central theme is the concept of "penis envy,” which refers to the belief that women desire male attributes, such as power and authority, that are associated with the male genitalia.

The Meaning of "Penis Envy"

The term "penis envy" was first coined by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. In his theory, Freud argued that women envy men because they possess the male genitalia, which is a symbol of power and authority. According to Freud, women feel inferior to men because they lack this symbol of masculinity.

Jong's poem, however, takes a different view of penis envy. She argues that women do not envy men's physical attributes, but rather the power and privilege that come with being male. She writes, "All women have penis envy, not for the penis, but for the power that is associated with it" (Jong, 1975, p. 28).

Jong's interpretation of penis envy is a feminist critique of Freud's theory. She argues that women do not desire to be men, but rather to have the same opportunities and privileges as men. In a patriarchal society, men have more power and authority than women, and this power imbalance creates a sense of inferiority among women.

The Struggle of Women in a Patriarchal Society

Jong's poem is a powerful critique of patriarchal society, which she argues perpetuates the power imbalance between men and women. The poem begins with the line, "All women are the same, we suffer from the same affliction" (Jong, 1975, p. 28). This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the psychological and emotional struggles of women in a male-dominated society.

Throughout the poem, Jong describes the ways in which women are oppressed and marginalized in a patriarchal society. She writes, "We are taught to be submissive, to be meek and mild, to be content with our lot" (Jong, 1975, p. 28). This line captures the essence of the patriarchal system, which teaches women to accept their inferiority and to be content with their limited opportunities.

Jong's poem also highlights the ways in which women are objectified and sexualized in a patriarchal society. She writes, "We are the objects of desire, the playthings of men" (Jong, 1975, p. 28). This line speaks to the ways in which women are often reduced to their physical appearance and sexual appeal in a male-dominated culture.

The Power of Language

One of the most striking features of Jong's poem is her use of language. The poem is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, with each line flowing into the next. This style of writing creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is struggling to articulate her thoughts and emotions.

Jong's use of language is also significant in the way she subverts traditional gender roles. She writes, "We want to be the ones who penetrate, to be the ones who dominate, to be the ones who have the power" (Jong, 1975, p. 28). This line challenges traditional gender roles, which dictate that men should be the ones who dominate and women should be submissive.

Additionally, Jong's use of language is significant in the way she empowers women. She writes, "We want to be the ones who create, to be the ones who invent, to be the ones who inspire" (Jong, 1975, p. 28). This line speaks to the power of women's creativity and imagination, which are often overlooked in a patriarchal society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Erica Jong's "Poetry, Penis Envy" is a powerful feminist critique of patriarchal society. The poem explores the psychological and emotional struggles of women in a male-dominated culture, and challenges traditional gender roles that perpetuate the power imbalance between men and women. Jong's use of language is particularly significant, as she subverts traditional gender roles and empowers women by highlighting their creativity and imagination. "Poetry, Penis Envy" remains a seminal work of feminist literature that continues to inspire and challenge readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Penis Envy: An Analysis of Erica Jong's Classic

Erica Jong's Poetry Penis Envy is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its bold and unapologetic exploration of female sexuality. The poem is a powerful statement on the societal expectations placed on women and their bodies, and how these expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and envy.

In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the themes and motifs of Poetry Penis Envy, exploring the ways in which Jong uses language and imagery to convey her message. We will also examine the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written, and how this context informs our understanding of the poem.

The poem opens with the lines, "I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions. / Whatever I see I swallow immediately / Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the speaker's voice as one of clarity and objectivity. The speaker is not swayed by emotion or personal bias, but rather presents a clear-eyed view of the world.

The poem then moves into a discussion of the male body, with the speaker describing the "perfect" penis in detail. She notes its "smoothness, / Its polished surface gleaming in the light," and its "firmness, / Its rigidity a testament to its strength." The speaker's admiration for the male body is palpable, and she seems to envy the power and control that men have over their bodies.

However, the poem quickly shifts gears, as the speaker begins to explore the ways in which women are expected to conform to societal norms. She notes that women are expected to be "soft and accommodating," and that their bodies are often viewed as objects to be used and discarded. The speaker laments the fact that women are not allowed to fully embrace their sexuality, and that they are often shamed for expressing their desires.

Jong's use of language in this section of the poem is particularly powerful. She describes women as "pliable," "yielding," and "pliant," words that connote a sense of weakness and subservience. By contrast, the male body is described in terms of strength and power. This juxtaposition highlights the ways in which gender roles are constructed in our society, and how these roles can be limiting and oppressive.

The poem then moves into a discussion of the female body, with the speaker describing her own body in detail. She notes the "softness" of her breasts, and the "folds and creases" of her vagina. The speaker seems to be reclaiming her body, celebrating its uniqueness and rejecting the societal norms that would seek to shame her for it.

One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Penis Envy is the way in which Jong uses metaphor and imagery to convey her message. The poem is filled with references to nature, with the speaker comparing her body to a "flower," and describing her vagina as a "cave." These metaphors serve to highlight the beauty and complexity of the female body, while also suggesting that women are a part of the natural world, and should be celebrated as such.

The poem also contains several references to mythology and religion, with the speaker invoking the goddess Aphrodite, and referencing the story of Adam and Eve. These references serve to underscore the idea that women have been oppressed and controlled throughout history, and that this oppression is deeply rooted in our cultural and religious traditions.

In conclusion, Poetry Penis Envy is a powerful and provocative poem that explores the ways in which women are expected to conform to societal norms, and how these expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and envy. Jong's use of language and imagery is particularly effective, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the female body, while also critiquing the societal norms that seek to control and shame women. The poem remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written, and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

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