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Young Woman

The poem expresses concern for a young woman facing life's challenges and calls for her protection and empowerment. It uses metaphors of plants to represent her vulnerability and growth, advising her to seek guidance, wisdom, and dignity as she discovers her potential amid societal injustices.

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Menon Hari
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444 views2 pages

Young Woman

The poem expresses concern for a young woman facing life's challenges and calls for her protection and empowerment. It uses metaphors of plants to represent her vulnerability and growth, advising her to seek guidance, wisdom, and dignity as she discovers her potential amid societal injustices.

Uploaded by

Menon Hari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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This poem, Young Woman by Nelcia Robinson, is a heartfelt expression of concern and

advice for a young woman navigating life.

Young Woman, fragile shoot / I am afraid for you / You are so vulnerable.
The poet begins by addressing the young woman as a "fragile shoot", symbolizing her youth
and vulnerability. The poet expresses fear for her, acknowledging the challenges she may face
due to her vulnerability.

Young Woman, Tender vine / I am afraid for you / You are denied guidance.
The poet continues the plant metaphor, calling the young woman a "tender vine". This could
symbolize her potential for growth, but also her need for support. The poet expresses fear that
she is being denied the guidance she needs.

Young Woman, slender leafy plant / I am afraid for you / You are so innocent /
Glorying the discovery / Of your beauty
The poet describes the young woman as a "slender leafy plant", further emphasizing her youth
and innocence. She is just beginning to discover her own beauty, a time of joy but also
vulnerability.

Young Woman, blossoming palm-tree You are on the threshold / Of life in all its
fullness / I am afraid for you / You are exposed to the elements / Of violence,
disillusionment / And discrimination, / Fruits of an unjust social and /
Economic arrangement
The poet warns of the harsh realities of life, including violence, disillusionment, and
discrimination. These are described as the "fruits of an unjust social and economic
arrangement", indicating societal structures that may harm or disadvantage the young woman.

Young Woman / Be a sealed fountain / In an enclosed garden / Whose walls are


to be scaled / When you are Woman, Conscious, Positive, Goal setting, Confident
Woman
The poet advises the young woman to protect herself, using the metaphor of a "sealed fountain
in an enclosed garden". She should only open up when she has grown into a conscious,
positive, goal-setting, confident woman.

Young Woman, be wise / Guard your dignity / Acknowledge your potential


The poet encourages the young woman to be wise, to guard her dignity, and to acknowledge her
potential. These are important qualities that will help her navigate life's challenges.

Father, Mother, Older Man, Older Woman, Uncle, Aunt, Brother, Sister, Young
Woman, Be a hedge around her / Bruise not the flower
The poet calls on everyone in the young woman's life to protect her, to be a "hedge" around her.
They should support her growth and not harm her ("bruise not the flower").

Young Woman is a powerful message of concern, advice, and hope for a young woman
facing the challenges of life. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, dignity, and self-
awareness, and calls for societal support in nurturing and protecting young women.
Themes - Young Woman
1. Theme: Vulnerability and Protection
Literary Device: Extended Metaphor:
The extended metaphor of comparing the young woman to different stages of plant growth
(fragile shoot, tender vine, slender leafy plant, blossoming palm-tree) conveys her
vulnerability and the need for protection in a harsh world.

2. Theme: Guidance and Wisdom


Literary Device: Imagery:
Imagery is used to depict the young woman's need for guidance and wisdom as she
navigates life's challenges and discovers her potential. The imagery of a sealed fountain in
an enclosed garden symbolizes protection and self-awareness.

3. Theme: Empowerment and Self-Realization


Literary Device: Symbolism:
Symbolism is employed to represent the transformation of the young woman into a
conscious, positive, goal-setting, and confident individual. The metaphorical language of
scaling walls and becoming a confident woman symbolizes empowerment and self-
realization.

4. Theme: Social Injustice and Discrimination


Literary Device: Personification:
Personification is used to personify the elements of violence, disillusionment, and
discrimination as fruits of an unjust social and economic arrangement. This literary device
highlights the systemic challenges and barriers faced by the young woman.

5. Theme: Family Support and Protection


Literary Device: Alliteration:
Alliteration is utilized to emphasize the importance of family support and protection for the
young woman. The repetition of "Father, Mother, Older Man, Older Woman, Uncle, Aunt,
Brother, Sister" underscores the role of family members in safeguarding her well-being.

6. Theme: Growth and Potential


Literary Device: Repetition:
Repetition is used to reinforce the message of growth, potential, and self-awareness for the
young woman. The repetition of "Be wise," "Guard your dignity," and "Acknowledge your
potential" emphasizes the importance of personal development and empowerment.

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