Carolyn Kizer Bitch Analysis

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The short story “Bitch” by Carolyn Kizer identifies the inner dismissive side of her and the dominance a particular other [her ex] might have on her. Towards the beginning of the story she sees him, “Now when he and I meet, after all these years.” (Kizer,948). As quick as one can see, the obvious is shown that she has not seen him over a over a long period of time. Kizer demonstrates several attributes among what causes her to act the certain way she does. So much is expected of her reaction when she runs into him out of the blue. Kizer is not so sure of how to react; But decides to tell herself what has to be done to have the right outcome of the situation. Within this short story there are three characters being portrayed, them being the inner “Bitch” in her , herself and her ex lover. These characters show different roles in a unique form of way. The first one being the the …show more content…

The way she sets herself apart from him is by calming herself down and holding herself back in order to be polite. She often beholds the hidden dog inside of her. The speakers initial hostility whenever she and her former lover meet reflect itself immediate warning she give to the “bitch insider [her]” not to start “growling”; while once the man may have been a “trespasser,” she says, he is now merely an “old acquaintance”. The conflict feelings suggested by this conversation with her inner self are quickly dramatized. However as this continues, “a kind word” from the man can easily show how dismissive and forgiving she may be at some points. As she mumbles on asking how he 's doing, holds back , “Or i 'll give you a taste of the choke-chain… she slobbers and grovels.” (Kizer, 949). The speaker is self controls her actions and emotions despite seeing him after