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The Moon Is Always Female: A Feminist Reinterpretation of a Classic Poem

Mikhail Bulgakov

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Published in Moon Is Always Female Marge Piercy

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In her poem "The Moon is Always Female," Marge Piercy offers a feminist reinterpretation of the classic poem "The Moon" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Tennyson's poem presents the moon as a male figure, but Piercy's poem challenges this traditional gender role and offers a new perspective on the relationship between men and women.

Tennyson's Poem

Tennyson's poem "The Moon" is a sonnet that describes the moon as a male figure who is "sailing through the night." The poem uses imagery of the moon's light to create a sense of mystery and wonder. However, the poem also reinforces traditional gender roles by presenting the moon as a masculine figure who is dominant over the earth.

Moon Is Always Female

by Marge Piercy

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2911 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages

The moon is sailing through the night, A silver boat upon the sea; And like a ship with all her might, The earth is hastening on her way. The moon is shining on the sea, And lighting up the trackless deep; And like a beacon shows the way, For weary sailors home to creep. The moon is sailing through the night, And casting shadows on the land; And like a thief who prowls for prey, It searches out the hidden strand.

Piercy's Poem

Piercy's poem "The Moon is Always Female" challenges the traditional gender roles presented in Tennyson's poem. Piercy's poem presents the moon as a female figure who is "a mirror to our changing selves." The poem uses imagery of the moon's phases to create a sense of cyclical change and renewal. Piercy's poem also offers a new perspective on the relationship between men and women, suggesting that women are not subordinate to men, but are equal partners.

The moon is always female, A mirror to our changing selves, A silver circle in the night sky, A beacon in the darkness. She waxes and wanes, A constant reminder of our own mortality, A symbol of hope and renewal. She is the mother of the tides, The ruler of the night, The keeper of secrets. She is the source of our dreams, The inspiration for our art, The guide for our journeys. The moon is always female, And she is always with us.

Marge Piercy's poem "The Moon is Always Female" is a powerful feminist reinterpretation of a classic poem. Piercy's poem challenges traditional gender roles and offers a new perspective on the relationship between men and women. Piercy's poem is a reminder that women are not subordinate to men, but are equal partners in life.

Moon Is Always Female

by Marge Piercy

4.8 out of 5