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  1. As the poem is written in free-verse, it does not follow a set rhyme scheme. There are a few instances of rhyming words in some lines. What Do Women Want? Summary

    As the poem is written in free-verse, it does not follow a set rhyme scheme. There are a few instances of rhyming words in some lines.

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  1. The main themes of the poem revolve around the body of a woman and her femininity. The poem focuses on the body and clothing of the poet. The red dress is desired by the poet because she wants it to cling to her body and reveal everything without actually doing so. The red dress also stands for herRead more

    The main themes of the poem revolve around the body of a woman and her femininity. The poem focuses on the body and clothing of the poet. The red dress is desired by the poet because she wants it to cling to her body and reveal everything without actually doing so. The red dress also stands for her sensuality, sexuality and femininity The poet wishes to wield the red dress in order to take control of her sensuality and femininity. She wants to have the power to be desired by men. This gives her confidence in her being a woman.

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  1. In the poem the central ideas of patriarchy, power, and sexuality are interwoven throughout. The speaker’s defiance of societal expectations, especially regarding how a woman should behave or dress, serves as a commentary on patriarchal norms. The red dress becomes a symbol of rebellion, a manifestaRead more

    In the poem the central ideas of patriarchy, power, and sexuality are interwoven throughout. The speaker’s defiance of societal expectations, especially regarding how a woman should behave or dress, serves as a commentary on patriarchal norms. The red dress becomes a symbol of rebellion, a manifestation of the speaker’s refusal to conform and a declaration of her right to define her own identity. The repetition of the desire for the red dress highlights the determination behind the poet’s quest for self-expression and resistance against societal norms. Overall, the poem delves into the complexities of power dynamics, gender roles, and personal agency within the context of societal expectations.

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  1. Hyperbole- hyperbole is the use of exaggeration in a poem. In this poem, the poet uses exaggeration when describing the dress and herself. Hyperbole is used in the lines “I want it too tight” and “I want to walk like I’m the only/ woman on earth”. Alliteration - Alliteration is repetition of the samRead more

    1. Hyperbole- hyperbole is the use of exaggeration in a poem. In this poem, the poet uses exaggeration when describing the dress and herself. Hyperbole is used in the lines “I want it too tight” and “I want to walk like I’m the only/ woman on earth”.
    2. Alliteration – Alliteration is repetition of the same letter or sound in a line. In the poem the poet uses alliteration in the lines “I want it too tight”, “sleeveless, backless, / this dress” and “goddamned/ dress”.
    3. Simile- simile is used when the poet directly compares one thing to another by using the words “as” or “like”. In this poem, the poet uses simile in the lines “I’ll pull that garment/ from its hanger like I’m choosing a body” and “I’ll wear it like bones, like skin”.
    4. Symbolism- symbolism is when the poet uses words to symbolize a concept, person or idea in a poem. In this poem, the “red dress” symbolizes power, control, sexuality, femininity and identity.
    5. Repetition- Repetition is a literary device in which a word, phrase, or line is repeated for emphasis or effect. The phrase “I want” has been repeated 10 times in the poem to emphasize the poet’s desire.
    6. Anaphora- anaphora is when a phrase is repeated in a stanza. In the poem, the phrase “I want” is repeated at the beginning of the first three lines of the poem.
    7. Metaphor- metaphor is used when the poet makes an undercut comparison between two things without using the words “like” or “as”. In the, the poet refers to pigs as “slick snouts”. She also metaphorically compares the dress to a second body.
    8. Enjambment – enjambment is when the line is continued onto the next line without any pause. In the poem, the poet uses enjambment to create an internal connection between the concept and the idea presented by the poet.

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