imagery

1. "The yellow Wallpaper" by Charolette Perkins Gilman- in reference to the house, "It was the most beautiful place! It is quite alone....it makes me think of English places that you read about, for there are hedges and walls and gates that lock and lots of separate little houses fo gardeners and people"(42).

This quote stood out to me because it reminded me of being locked in or locked out. I felt like the mansion or the house rather could symbolize the woman. It is "alone" it is "quiet" and there are gates and things that separate it from the outside world as well as inside world because of the separate houses for different people. This reminds me of a story (can't remember author but he was an American who went to live in Europe) called Daisy Miller (?). She was a young girl chastized by society around her for not fitting to the social norms of women. She spoke to men and she did not behave according to society. Eventually by the end of the story she dies because she is finally shut down into the woman she is supposed to be. She dies because she is at a loss for what she was.

2. "...If my cup won't hold but a pint and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half-measure full?"-Sojourner Truth, "Ain't I a Woman?"

I thought this was a very interestiing image or saying because it really stands out, not just for African american women but for all minorities and all women. It seems to illude to the idea that just because i may not have or be the best in your eyes i am still worth something and i am entiled to be acknowledged that much. it is interesting because she is saying just because she is black woman doesn't mean she is not a woman. She needs to be given her bit of respect as well as a white woman.
This reminds me of "Leda and the Swan" because Leda is not being given her rights and respect deserved as a human not just a woman. She is litterally raped by Zeus, the swan, because he can. He is a god and she is mere mortal. that is alot like what Truth is saying about not getting the little'st bit of respect for just being a human being and a woman.

3. "...I read magazines/ and saw movies, blonde movie stars, white skin,/sensuous lips and to be elevated, to become/ a woman, a desirable woman, I began to wear/imaginary pale skin"-Nellie Wong "When i was Growing up"

This quote popped out to me because it is still the same today. not just for different ethnicites, but white little girls who may not fit the standard of being beautiful blond bombshell are taking all kind of measures to try and be that girl. It is sad that all female role models for young girls have been formed by society to fit such standards.
this quote reminds me of the poem"Queen Anne's Lace" because the whole poem tallks about the woman being this beautiful person or body. It is athe only thing that is focused on and it seems that way in Wong's poem as well. A woman is not praised for her mind, just her looks.

4. "Plain as bread/ round as cake/and ordinary woman"-Lucille Clifton, "the Thirty eight Year"

this stood out to me because woman often view themselves in this way. When we look in the mirror we only pick out negative features. she is unhappy with jsut being ordinary. She wants to be taht movie star or super model. She wants to be beautiful and attractive. she wants to be more than just another woman sitting in a house alone following the expectations of society. Seh is unhappy with her outcome.
This reminds me of "the Yellow Wall Paper" because teh woman in that story is also unhappy wiht the life she is leading. she feels as if she is a prisoner in it. that is the same feeling i get from this poem. These women are trapped in a life of expectations and standards that is very lonely adn unfulfilling.