The woman in this poem

  A symbol is a repeated thought or object in a literary work that has a deeper representation. Symbols are often used to efficiently bring forth a theme. For instance; “The Women in this Poem” by Bronwen Wallace in about a middle-aged lady who feels trapped in her vapid everyday life. The author makes reference to the fact that her kitchen is “spotless”. When she stands in it “her arms fall to her sides”. This gives the reader a better understanding of her revolted attitude toward this kitchen. However, it is not the kitchen she is displeased with, it is her life. The kitchen symbolizes that her life is dull or complete. There is no more that can be done with a “spotless” kitchen. It appears perfect. The woman smiles on through dinner but she is distracted by “the number for the airline reservations/ [chanting] in her head.” This symbol helps the reader grasp her feelings of hate for this life, and supports the theme of public perspective versus a person’s private feelings. She feels like she cannot leave to be with her “lover” because “she is thinking of/ her daughter’s piano lessons/ her son’s dental appointment.”All of these things a mother is required to worry about.by the image of a mother given by society. The stereotypical mother is supposed to stay home, tending to the needs of the rest of the family: cooking, cleaning, doing laundry. Society does not view mothers as people with needs for excitement, lust and adventure. They are supposed to be practical and worrisome. This is why this woman’s unhappy feelings are unacceptable. To want to leave your family for an exciting lust filled fling with a pen pal lover is not in the maternal profile. Therefore, this is the reasoning the woman in this poem is eternally fastened in her bromidic kitchen.