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My Life Had Stood A Loaded Gun Essay

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Feminist Theory: Emily Dickinson’s “My Life had stood - a Loaded Gun” Emily Dickinson’s “My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun” may be read as a reflection of a certain paradox which shapes the female gender role in a patriarchal society. Namely, on the one hand, as is made explicit in Dickinson’s primary imagery of this poem of the “loaded gun”, the female remains forced into a role of passivity in this social relation. A loaded gun is precisely not something that itself is in a process of action. Nevertheless, on the other hand, a loaded gun is something that remains with potential, the potential to change the relations of power. In this poem, therefore, Dickinson reflects both the marginalized role of the female in a patriarchal society, as well as the female’s dissatisfaction with this role, the potential for resistance. …show more content…

She writes: “My life had stood – a Loaded Gun/In Corners till a Day.” With this opening, Dickinson stresses the marginal and pacified role of the female in a male dominated social construct. Her immediate reflection on her life is that it “had stood”; Dickinson’s life does not exist in a state of motion or dynamism. Rather, she is in a sense paralyzed, held in place, as shown by the use of standing. From the perspective of feminist theory and a feminist interpretation of the poem, which also considers Dickinson’s status as a female poet, the author is here expressing precisely a marginalization, an inability to affect her surroundings. This is repeated clearly in the symbolism of the loaded gun. A loaded gun is often placed, as Dickinson writes, in the corners, out of sight and out of use. It remains an object that does not play an active role, but only exists on the

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This becomes evident in a lack of information about the type of society, and the reader therefore lacks a complete understanding of how the women are oppressed. As a whole, this poem sets forth the idea that female gender is fluid, and asks its readers to questions what it means to be a woman in a male dominant

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During this time women were starting to become more empowered and involved in society, while also trying to change gender roles. I chose to represent the message of the poem by depicting a scene where a husband and a wife do not share the same responsibilities in their relationship. The woman is expected to do the housework while the husband goes to work and shows

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5,6) the issues that have been mentioned above are expressed. Since, especially black women, are considered to be living in the shadow this passage exposes the feelings and representation of black women in society. Their existence in the world which is not considered and respected. Considering especially the fact that the lyrical I is a black maiden, she seeks for recognition and acceptance among the other figures of the poem. Referring to contemporary issues, the lyrical I would be classified as a lower ranked person since she is black and being occupied as a maid, which clearly makes her powerless and voiceless in society.

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This poem, in my opinion, shows a contrast between having a plan laid out for women like in the “kitchenette building,” versus having no plan like the speaker in this poem, and how those two experiences similarly play out among women. When I compare these two poems to the patriarchal view of women I see this: “At least in the “kitchenette building” women knew what they were supposed to be doing whereas in “the mother” the speaker took her free will and made a rash decision that has left her remorseful. Do you see what happens when women are allowed to think for themselves?” With that said, I want to make it clear that I understand that this poem is a woman's experience with abortions. However, if I am to take this a step further, the poem's purpose to show how women bare the weight of such a life altering decision alone, also brings into light the patriarchal explanation on why abortions should not be a woman's right.

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