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"the desire to be heard, - that is the impulse behind writing poems, for me." (Adrienne Rich) Does the poetry of Adrienne Rich speak to you? Write your personal response, referring to the poems of Adrienne Rich that do/do not speak to you. - Leaving Cert English - Question 4 - 2008
Question 4
"the desire to be heard, - that is the impulse behind writing poems, for me." (Adrienne Rich) Does the poetry of Adrienne Rich speak to you? Write your personal resp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"the desire to be heard, - that is the impulse behind writing poems, for me." (Adrienne Rich) Does the poetry of Adrienne Rich speak to you? Write your personal response, referring to the poems of Adrienne Rich that do/do not speak to you. - Leaving Cert English - Question 4 - 2008
Step 1
Does the poetry of Adrienne Rich speak to you?
Answer
Adrienne Rich's poetry resonates deeply with me, especially her ability to articulate the struggles and triumphs of womanhood. In works such as 'Diving into the Wreck', I find a powerful exploration of personal and collective identity, which speaks to the core of my own experiences. Her use of vivid imagery and metaphor allows me to reflect on my place in a patriarchal society.
Rich's emphasis on the desire to be heard is particularly compelling. It mirrors my own yearning for recognition in a world that often marginalizes voices like mine. The courage she displays in confronting societal norms inspires me and motivates me to engage with my own truths.
However, not every poem resonates equally. For instance, in 'Power', while I admire the bold themes of empowerment, I sometimes struggle to connect with the historical references, which feel distant from my personal context. Despite this, I can appreciate Rich's intent and the emotional gravity of her words.
Step 2
Referring to the poems of Adrienne Rich that do not speak to you.
Answer
In contrast, certain poems such as 'The Dream of a Common Language' do not resonate with me as strongly. While I understand her desire for unity and the collective struggle, the style feels abstract and less personal. This detachment can make it challenging for me to fully engage with the themes she presents.
Moreover, her exploration of complex political and historical contexts sometimes feels overwhelming. I find myself longing for a more intimate approach, as seen in her more confessional works. The lack of direct emotion in these pieces can lead to a disconnect, making it difficult to feel the urgency and authenticity that she embodies in her other poems.