For the poem “Dusting” by Julia Alvarez , in outline form analyze its content, form and meaning.
- Explain the poem by translating it into prose
- Identify its genre
- Point out 3 examples of figurative language
- Explain rhyme scheme or its rhythm
- Describe the diction
- Explain the theme
The correct answer and explanation is :
Analysis of “Dusting” by Julia Alvarez
1. Prose Translation:
In the poem “Dusting,” a young girl expresses her desire for individuality by writing her name on various pieces of furniture in her home. She practices different styles of writing, such as cursive and capital letters, treating these surfaces as her personal canvas. Her mother, however, diligently cleans these markings, erasing her daughter’s attempts at self-expression. The girl perceives her mother’s actions as an effort to maintain anonymity and conformity, leading her to assert her own identity through these written marks.
2. Genre:
“Dusting” is a free verse poem, characterized by its lack of a consistent rhyme scheme and meter. This form allows the poet to focus on the thematic elements of individuality and familial relationships without the constraints of traditional poetic structures.
3. Examples of Figurative Language:
- Simile: “Practicing signatures like scales” compares the girl’s practice of writing her name to the repetitive nature of musical scales, emphasizing her dedication to perfecting her signature.
- Personification: “My name was swallowed in the towel” attributes the human action of swallowing to a towel, illustrating how her mother’s cleaning efforts consume her personal marks.
- Metaphor: The act of writing her name on furniture serves as a metaphor for the girl’s desire to leave a lasting impression and assert her individuality within the household.
4. Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm:
The poem does not adhere to a specific rhyme scheme, reflecting the free verse form. The rhythm varies, with lines of differing lengths and occasional enjambment, mirroring the fluctuating emotions of the young girl as she navigates her need for self-expression against her mother’s desire for order.
5. Diction:
Alvarez’s diction is straightforward yet evocative, using simple language to convey complex emotional dynamics. Words like “scrawled,” “scribbled,” and “erased” highlight the physical actions associated with writing and cleaning, while phrases such as “practicing signatures” and “to be like her, anonymous” delve into the psychological aspects of identity and familial expectations.
6. Theme:
The central theme of “Dusting” revolves around the conflict between personal identity and familial expectations. The young girl’s repeated writing of her name signifies her yearning for recognition and individuality, contrasting with her mother’s cleaning actions that symbolize a preference for conformity and perhaps a desire to suppress personal expression. This dynamic reflects a broader commentary on generational differences and the struggle for self-definition within the family unit. The poem poignantly captures the tension between maintaining one’s unique identity and adhering to the roles and norms imposed by family and tradition.