POEM
3. I Was My Own Route
by Julia de Burgos
Summary
In
her poem "I was my Own Route," Julia de Burgos, a pioneering Latina/o
writer, delves into the burdens women carry due to patriarchal ideologies of
the past. She passionately urges women to break free from these constraints and
discover their own identities. The poem centers on the theme of personal
freedom and liberation for women, as de Burgos advocates for a fresh and
self-determined path.
At
the time the poem was written in 1938, social inequality and gender
discrimination were prevalent, particularly affecting women. De Burgos, as a
woman of African origin in the United States, faced oppression and sought to
assert her individuality and ambitions. She desired equal opportunities, privileges,
and advantages, demanding that these should be accessible in a society tainted
by sexism and inequality. The poem serves as an anthem against any notion that
women are inferior to men or that their lives should be dictated by the beliefs
of others, as women are not subject to societal control.
"I
was my own route" exemplifies de Burgos's dissatisfaction with the
restrictive norms and limitations imposed by society. She encourages women to
be aware of three crucial aspects: their potential as women, their own lives,
and their feelings. The poem imparts lessons on independence and the pursuit of
one's own path, even if it involves challenges or deviating from societal
expectations. It carries a rebellious nature, expressing the poet's disdain for
traditional norms that suppress women's freedom and choices. De Burgos
emphasizes that a woman must determine her own identity and goals, steering her
life according to her own desires.
The
message conveyed in "I was my Own Route" remains relevant today.
Cultural barriers persist, preventing many women from fully taking control of
their lives and enjoying the freedom to make their own choices. The poem serves
as a timeless reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's
empowerment.
Julia
de Burgos's poem reflects the aspirations of women who, in the 1930s and
beyond, fought tirelessly for their rights and recognition. It serves as a call
to action, encouraging women to embrace their strength, resilience, and agency.
The poem's profound impact on women's empowerment and the fight against
discrimination reverberates through history, leaving a lasting legacy as a
poignant expression of the quest for equality and liberation.
Understanding the Text
Answer the following questions.
a. Why did the speaker try to be the way men wanted her to
be?
The
speaker in the poem attempts to conform to the expectations of men, adopting a
persona that aligns with their hegemonic male concept. She does this to observe
how men will react to her and to understand the societal pressures and norms
imposed upon women. By conforming to male expectations, the speaker seeks to
shed light on the impact of gender roles and expectations, highlighting the
need for women's liberation from such constraints. The poem reflects on the
struggles women face in conforming to societal norms while also questioning the
validity and fairness of such expectations.
b. What do you understand by her feet 'would not accept walking
backwards'?
The
line "By her feet 'would not accept walking backward!" signifies the
speaker's refusal to conform to the inferior concept of females imposed by
males. She rejects the idea of being subservient and instead desires to move
forward with the same determination and vigor as males. The speaker seeks equality
and liberation, challenging the traditional gender roles and advocating for a
society where women can pursue their goals with equal opportunities and rights.
This stance reflects the speaker's determination to break free from societal
constraints and assert her autonomy and worth on an equal footing with men.
c. Who are the old guards? Why did they grow desperate?
The
term "old guards" refers to traditional individuals who adhere to
patriarchal beliefs and societal norms. In the poem, these individuals become
agitated and desperate upon witnessing the poetess uplifting the lifestyles of
the less privileged and advocating for the emancipation of the people. The
poetess's efforts to challenge traditional gender roles and support the
marginalized threaten the established power dynamics upheld by the old guards.
This confrontation creates tension as the poetess seeks to bring about positive
change, while the traditionalists cling to their entrenched beliefs, leading to
a clash of ideologies and perspectives on societal progress.
d. How did the speaker have ‘a feeling of intimate
liberation'?
The
speaker experiences a profound sense of "intimate liberation" as she
breaks free from the constraints of patriarchal society. By rejecting the path
predetermined by men, she courageously embraces a new journey towards
liberation. This pivotal moment represents a significant shift in the speaker's
life, as she transcends societal norms and restrictions imposed by men. The act
of crossing this barrier and forging her own path becomes a powerful symbol of
empowerment and autonomy. The speaker's intimate liberation signifies her
triumph over oppressive forces and her determination to navigate life on her
terms, unburdened by the limitations of the past.
e. Why did the desire to follow men wrap in her?
The
speaker in the poem is trapped by the desire to conform to patriarchal norms
prevalent in society. Despite longing for liberation and pleasure, she feels
compelled to follow traditional concepts and ideas dictated by men. This
conflict between her inner desires and societal expectations creates a sense of
entrapment, as she yearns to break free from the confines of gender roles. The
pressure to adhere to patriarchal norms stifles her true self-expression and autonomy,
leading to a profound internal struggle. The poem highlights the oppressive
nature of societal expectations on women and the desire for authentic
liberation beyond the constraints imposed by traditional gender norms.
Reference to the Context
a. What does the speaker mean when she says she was playing a
game of hide and seek with her being'?
In
the poem, the speaker uses the metaphor of playing hide and seek with her being
to convey her rebellious nature and rejection of the limiting male ideology
that confines women to domestic roles. The game symbolizes her struggle to
break free from the gender stereotypes and societal expectations that confine
her within the four walls of traditional femininity. By seeking liberation, she
aims to escape this predetermined image of women and assert her right to choose
her own path and identity. The repetition of the hide and seek metaphor at the
end of the poem reinforces her determination to challenge societal norms and
embrace her true self, free from the confines of patriarchal expectations.
b. Why, in your view, was her back ripped by the old guards as
she was advancing forward?
In
her journey towards liberation and freedom, the speaker faces numerous
obstacles imposed by the old guards, representing traditional norms,
patriarchal ideology, and cultural restrictions. These hindrances and threats
cause her immense suffering and pain, symbolized by her back being ripped. The
old guards' determination to maintain the status quo and suppress her progress
create a challenging and arduous path for the speaker. Despite the
difficulties, she remains determined to break free from these constraints and
race towards her goal of liberation. The poem portrays the struggle of women
against oppressive societal forces and their resilience in the pursuit of
personal emancipation.
c. What, according to the speaker, did it feel like to be
free?
The
speaker envisions freedom as the ability to soar like a bird, unrestricted by
societal norms and male-imposed limitations. It encompasses the freedom to move
and feel as confidently as men do in society, finally experiencing the
long-awaited liberation they have yearned for. To her, freedom means walking
confidently on a path of her own choosing and pursuing her desires and
aspirations with full autonomy. Breaking free from the shackles of gender roles
and societal expectations, the speaker seeks the empowerment to conduct her
tasks and life according to her own will, unburdened by the constraints of traditional
norms.
d. Why does the speaker prefer the present to the past?
The
speaker's preference for the present over the past stems from a history filled
with pain, troubles, and the oppressive patriarchal ideology that limited her
life. In the past, she endured suffering under male restrictions, being subject
to ridicule and laughter. She lacked the realization of liberation and
emancipation, unable to pursue her wishes and dreams freely. The past was
marked by family domination, exploitation, and deprivation.
However,
in the present, the speaker feels a sense of liberation and freedom from
male-dominated beliefs. The decline of patriarchal ideology has allowed females
to realize the fruits of liberation and empowerment in contemporary society.
Now, she enjoys the liberty to make her own choices and decisions, permitted to
work and travel based on her preferences. The speaker's preference for the
present reflects her joy and relief in experiencing a society that values
equality and provides women with opportunities to lead a fulfilling and
independent life.
e John Donne, in his poem “No Man is an Island”, says, “No man
is an island entire of itself.” Would Burgos agree with Donne? Do you agree
with Donne or Burgos?
In
his poem "No Man is an Island," John Donne emphasizes the
interconnectedness of the human race and the significance of community for
societal development. He asserts that individuals cannot thrive in isolation
and need to be part of a collective to flourish. I agree with Donne's view of
maintaining equality in society, including rights, freedom, justice, choices,
and opportunities for all individuals. He advocates for gender equality, while
Julia de Burgos, in contrast, expresses anger and rejection towards the
male-dominated society, advocating for female emancipation and challenging male
ideologies. Although both poets have different approaches, I support Donne's
perspective as it promotes the overall development of society by acknowledging
the importance of equality and the collective growth of both males and females.
Reference Beyond the Text
a. Write an essay on My Idea of Freedom.
My
Idea of Freedom
Freedom
is a concept that holds various interpretations, but it generally refers to the
ability to act and make choices without constraint. Albert Einstein, the
renowned scientist, emphasized that freedom is attained through continuous
struggle, representing a state of independence where individuals can pursue
their desires without restrictions. It encompasses a sense of personal liberty
and the availability of choices, making it an innate right since birth.
However, freedom's definition can vary from political, social, personal, to
religious aspects, as it encompasses diverse perspectives.
In
the poem "I Was My Own Route," Julia Burgos advocates for women's
liberation and empowerment, challenging patriarchal ideologies. She portrays
freedom as the choice to live life on one's own terms, unburdened by societal
norms or expectations. Her vision aligns with the pursuit of individuality and
autonomy, seeking to transcend societal limitations for women.
On
the other hand, William Faulkner's quote from "Requiem for a Nun"
suggests a different perspective on freedom. According to Faulkner, the past never
truly disappears; it shapes our present and influences our actions. He believes
that individuals are entangled in webs of history, environment, desires, and
consequences, making the past an ever-present force in our lives. Faulkner's
view challenges the notion of a clear distinction between past, present, and
future, suggesting that everything is continually defined by past experiences.
In
response to Faulkner's view, the present can be seen as a fleeting moment,
constantly shifting into the past as soon as it occurs. Our memories and
actions are shaped by our past experiences, reinforcing the idea that the past
remains intertwined with our present.
Considering
the contrasting views of Burgos and Faulkner, it's possible to find common
ground. While Burgos focuses on breaking free from the oppressive past,
Faulkner emphasizes the continuous influence of the past on our present lives.
Both perspectives shed light on the complexities of freedom and its
relationship with history and identity.
In
conclusion, freedom is a multi-dimensional concept that involves personal
independence, choice, and autonomy. Julia Burgos's poem calls for women's
liberation, advocating for the right to determine their own path. On the other
hand, William Faulkner's quote reminds us that our past experiences shape our
present and influence our choices. Both viewpoints contribute to the
understanding of freedom as a complex and evolving concept, deeply
interconnected with our individual histories and societal context.
Best of Luck
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