Understanding the Emotional Turmoil and Empowerment Through 'Breaking Out' by Marge Piercy
Marge Piercy's poem Breaking Out is a profound exploration of the trials and triumphs of a girl-child struggling to define her identity and break free from the oppressive forces of her environment. The narrator in the poem vividly describes her childhood experiences, particularly the physical abuse at the hands of her parents, and her eventual act of rebellion through the symbolic breaking of the mangle stick.
The Poem's Context: A Call for Action
At its core, the poem serves as a powerful call to action. It encourages readers to confront the limitations of their own lives and strive for personal empowerment. Marge Piercy uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the emotional turmoil of feeling trapped and the exhilaration of breaking free. The poem emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity and the transformative power of taking bold steps toward freedom.
The title itself, 'Breaking Out,' is a metaphor for the intense process of change and liberation. The poem celebrates the strength and determination required to reclaim one's life and pursue an authentic existence free from oppressive forces.
Symbolism and Themes in the Poem
The poem is rich with symbolism and themes that resonate with the challenges faced by the girl-child and women in general. However, the provided lines offer a detailed analysis that highlights several key aspects:
Lines 1-7: Personal Act of Rebellion
The narrator reflects on her first political act, a childhood rebellion against the oppressive forces of her environment. She recalls being beaten by her parents, who treated her like a "girl-child." The narrator views her parents as "two open doors" that always kept track of her every move. A mangle, a heavy ironing machine, is a symbol of the oppressive household work she was subjected to. This piece of machinery is compared to a stork's bill, emphasizing the emotional pain inflicted by the physical abuse.
Lines 8-18: Personal and Societal Parallelism
The poem draws a parallel between the narrator's personal situation and external objects. The narrator likens herself to a "sausage bag" that deflates with a deep and noisy sigh, reflecting her exhaustion and frustration. The vacuum cleaner, an overburdened household object, embodies the n?ng n? of household chores.
The narrator also draws a parallel between her mother's endless, seemingly futile labor and the Greek mythological figure Sisyphus. This comparison underscores the notion of living a life filled with repetitive and ultimately unfulfilling tasks. The narrator’s mother, burdened by daily household duties, is described as "down on her knees," highlighting the physical and emotional toll of such labor.
Lines 19-28: Symbol of Oppression and Resistance
The heavy wooden yardstick, a tool used for punishment, becomes a symbol of oppression. The narrator's mother, under economic pressures, may have resorted to physical abuse as a form of retribution. ByBackgroundColor: Describing the pain as a "locomotive" roar, the author emphasizes the intensity of the emotional and physical scars.
The poem then recounts the narrator's pivotal moment of defiance. At the age of eleven, she breaks the yardstick, not just as a physical act, but as a symbolic one. This act marked her transition from childhood to adulthood, from victim to empowered individual. The breaking of the stick signifies the narrator's assertion of her rights and her determination to break free from oppressive forces.
Lines 29-36: Symbolic Freedom and Growth
The final part of the poem reflects on the narrator's journey toward empowerment. She recalls examining the marks of physical abuse on her back and contemplating a life of freedom. Her act of breaking the yardstick symbolizes her first "political act" of standing up for her rights. The narrator emphasizes that her story is about empowerment, not lost innocence. She rejects the path of futile labor and oppression, unlike her mother.
The poem concludes by highlighting the transformative power of breaking free from these oppressive forces and reclaiming one's identity. It encourages readers to embrace their rights and pursue a life of authenticity and empowerment.
Keywords: Marge Piercy, Breaking Out, Empowerment, Political Act, Girl Child Abuse
Excerpts: Marge Piercy's Breaking Out is a powerful piece that delves into the emotional and physical abuse faced by a girl-child, highlighting themes of oppression, liberation, and empowerment. The poem serves as a call to action, encouraging readers to confront their own limitations and seek personal empowerment.
This analysis of Breaking Out provides a comprehensive overview of the poem's emotional depth and its call for action, making it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in literature and social justice.