This is ironic because the time in which this was published, when you became a wife it was automatically assumed that you'd become a mother...whether that was what you desired or not

The switch from a broad classification to the proper specific noun of " A Wife" reduces aspects of herself while highlighting this one in particular as though " A Wife" is where her story begins and ends

Broad classification of a specific group

The format of this poem intrigues me because it's almost a stream of consciousness? There's no fancy indentation or breaks, it just goes on & on

Immediately I noticed that poem had no introduction. Kincaid promptly begins the poem with the directions of what to do with white clothes.

Also, after listening to the poem aloud, this styling of this version confuses me more. Truth was from a small town in New York where Dutch was spoken meaning that this southern stereotypical tone she's trying to give Truth doesn't even fit

I'm unsure why she felt the need to add the "bear de lash as well" part?

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To me, Truth is using this metaphor to ensure men that giving women rights doesn't hinder them in any way

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Here it is again-- it's seems like Truth is arguing for women by also insinuating that she understands that life is also hard for men. But the examples are not only shallow issues but also privileges that a man with rights is actually blessed to have if you think about it

This line almost seems as though she's trying to appeal to the ethos of her audience. In reality we know that women didn't/ haven't done anything that would support the assertion that they deserve rights except be born with a certain genitalia. But, when she says this she's trying to frame her request in a way that will benefit men which she knows they may be receptive to

Now girl....she didn't use this word once smh

IMMEDIETLY, it's noticeable that the writer (Gage) in the second speech rendering that she makes Soujou rner Truth sound almost less intelligent-- for lack of a better word or infantile

"Perhaps now it<br /> would be better to give up seeking for the<br /> truth, and receiving on one’s head an<br /> avalanche of opinion hot as lava, discoloured<br /> as dish-water." This use of these simile's paint an angry & vivid image

This simile paints an angry & vivid image

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I think she's speaking to women specifically in this line

!- "And still I Rise" is the collection of poems that *Phenomenal Woman * was pulled from. Looking at these 2 titles reveals a common theme of woman's empowerment & the fearlessness to take up space in any capacity

This goes into my previous point about her (Angelou) being confident in herself and everything that comes with it

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The repeated use of "It's in..." & " It's the..." is poignant because while she's expressing others confusion and answering with her statements, she's making sure to point out & romanticize everything she is whilst building herself up. She IS NOT speaking negatively about herself or highlighting things she is NOT. this is something we as women do a lot--so often that it seems like second nature at some point