Analysis of Kim Addonizio's poem, What Do Women Want
Kim Addonizio's poem, "What Do Women Want'" explores the risk that womenhave of being stereotyped. By employing the literary devices of imageryand metaphor, Addonizio is able to convey the message that what womenreally want is to be understood. Through her harsh and honest style,Addonizio wrestles with the burden of false impressions and put them in Leslie Ullman says that Addonizio's poetry "makes convincing what couldbecome simply fashionable cynicism and street-smart bravado" (Ullman).This is clear in "What Do Women Want'" as Addonizio focuses on the sadstereotype that women must endure. In addition, Ullman also notes that"Addonizio's bursts of imagery and emotion and allow her to build momentumthat sweeps many of these poems to a breathless finish" (Ullman). This isevident in "What Do Women Want'" as Addonizio uses the red dress as an
The dress is a metaphor for the stereotypical women that she is not. Addonizio wishes to be understood in a world filled with misconceptionsabout the modern woman. Although she may be perceived this way or perhaps wishes she could be thisway at times, she is ultimately disgusted with how women can be judged attimes. (3-4) By presenting us with this image, she is making a reference to the kindsof stereotypes associated women that might wear such a dress. In conclusion, "What Do Women Want'" explores the false impressionsoften associated with being a woman. Addonizio also provides us with a very vivid image of what she will doin the dress. Her poem rejects stereotypes and works through thebitterness often associated with them with her honesty and cynicism. Clearly, she isworking with the image that is often associated with modern women who mightassert some self-esteem. She wants the dress "bad" (16) and she also wants it: to confirm your worst fears about me, to show you how little I care about you or anything except what I want. Through specific detail and metaphor,Addonizio is able to create within us an understanding of what it must belike to judge by looks. She works with a typical stereotype--a cheap, flimsy reddress. In a review published in the Christian Science Monitor, it is notedthat, "Her poetry celebrates the desire to live life recklessly and fully,even as it mourns the destruction and debris that result" (ChristianScience Monitor). This can certainly be seen be seen in "What Do WomenWant'" as the poet says, "I'll wear it like bones, like skin/it'll be thegoddamned/dress they bury me in" (25-7).
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