Women in a Simple World

¶ … Women in a Simple World

Marge Piercy represents the timeless voice of the modern woman. She was born March 31, 1936 in Detroit. In order to make ends meet, the family had to move often during her early years, but they eventually came to settle in a mixed community in Detroit (McManus). Piercy credits her mother and her grandmother for encouraging her to pursue her creative endeavors. She drew her inspiration to become a writer from them (McManus). Other than a stint with German measles and Rubella, Piercy had a happy childhood. During tough times, she learned to take refuge in reading (McManus).

During her college years, it became apparent that she did not fit into the stereotypical image of women that was acceptable in society at that time (McManus). It is not surprising that she later became involved in the civil rights movement (McManus). Piercy's early childhood influences and her political activism, particularly as it pertains to women, is one of the most striking characteristics of her writing. She brings images of women who are working class, but that are not as simple as society wishes them to be. This is the world of Marge Piercy and the one that she brings to life for her readers.

Early Poetry

The poem Barbie Doll reflects this expression of stereotypes and their ability to override any other quality within women. It examines a woman who has intelligence and strength locked up in what society calls an imperfect body. In the end, after trying to put on the image that society expects of women, she kills herself by cutting off those parts that are considered imperfect. The last image is of a disfigured woman, who in her final peace is the epitome of the Barbie Doll dressed in makeup and fine clothes.

This poem is rebellious, taking a stance against society's emphasis on stereotypical outward appearances above inner strength and intellect. Always Unsuitable also reflects this rebellious stereotypical image. However, unlike Barbie Doll, this poem is written in first person, indicating that it is a reflection of Piercy's innermost feelings. In this poem, one gains a sense of Piercy's inner self and how she views the typical Cold War household structure. This poem reflects Piercy's place as an outsider in society and the falseness of society's outward appearances.

Much of Piercy's early poetry reflects a complete rebellion against society's ideals about a "proper" woman's role in society. During the Cold War era, Piercy's poetry expresses what would later become the battle cry of feminists such as Jane Fonda and others who wanted to break the mold that had been laid for them by their mothers. Piercy's poetry does not reflect hatred or disdain, only a desire to escape the chains that bind.

The Cape Cod Years

Piercy's work could be divided into two distinct phases. Her early work reflects the need to escape the chains of society and the stereotypical male and female roles. She lived in the city much of her early life. Moving to Cape Cod in 1971 changed her outlook on life. After she became a part of the Cape Cod scenery, her poetry reflected a more peaceful existence (McManus). Her poetry began to reflect a greater sense of herself and her place in the web of life. Piercy's poetry reflects the celebration of life through good times and bad.

A prime example of Piercy's new connection with nature is the Cat's Song. This poem celebrates the bond between people and their cats. Written from the cat's point-of-view, it forces the reader to examine their sense of superiority. The cat tells of all of the things that humans cannot do, but that cats do with ease. Unlike the anger expressed in Piercy's early years, the Cat's Song reflects a sense of inner peace and a need to bond with the natural world. Cats appear in much of Piercy's later work.

The rhythm of Piercy's poetry changed to reflect the rhythm of her life. Early works, such as Barbie Doll, use a stumbling rhythm, one long line, followed by a short, terse line. Her early works did not flow smoothly, reflecting the inner turmoil of the writer and the inner turmoil of the women that she portrayed. Piercy's later works flow, using even rhythmical lines and language that reminds the reader of a river gently flowing. This change in style reflects changes within the writer, to a more inspired and peaceful existence.

Piercy's imagery changed throughout her life as well. Early works relied upon imagery from the city, such as fan belts breaking, GE stoves, and irons. The Morning Half-Life Blues brings us imagery of glitzy shop windows and subway stations. Imagery in her later years contains the woods, grass, and images of nature. When one reads Piercy's works as a whole, it seems as if there are two entirely different people. Piercy's early style and imagery bears little resemblance to later works during the Cape Cod years. This change in poetic style reflects deeper changes within the writer and the way in which she viewed her world.

Toad Dreams further supports the later style of he author and differences from her early works. In this poem, she opens with a quote from Henry Thoreau, one of the world's greatest nature poets. This poem reflects Piercy's awareness of a world, which people seldom notice. She takes the reader outside of their living rooms and the drone of the television to a world, where life hangs in the balance every moment. This poem has a flowing style where one thought blends easily into another. It emphasizes the desire for simplicity that Piercy wanted in her Cape Cod years.