Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Strange Beautiful Woman" is a poem by Marilyn Nelson, an American poet born in 1946. The poem was first published in Nelson's 2001 poetry collection, "The Fields of Praise."

Full Plot Explanation:

"Strange Beautiful Woman" tells the story of a woman who is seen as different and exotic by those around her. The speaker describes the woman's unique beauty, from her "smoky eyes" to her "wide hips." Despite the woman's apparent allure, the speaker notes that others are often uncomfortable around her, perhaps because of her difference. The poem ultimately celebrates the woman's individuality and beauty, despite society's attempts to categorize and contain her.

Poetic Elements:

• Imagery: the poem includes vivid descriptions of the woman's physical appearance
• Metaphor: the woman is compared to a "flickering, spangled night"
• Repetition: the phrase "strange beautiful woman" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the woman's uniqueness
• Alliteration: the poem includes several instances of alliteration, such as "smoky eyes," "wide hips," and "velvet veil"
• Enjambment: the lines of the poem often run into each other without punctuation, creating a sense of fluidity and continuity
• Tone: the poem has a celebratory and affirming tone, expressing admiration for the woman's beauty and individuality
• Structure: the poem is written in three stanzas of varying lengths, with the final stanza ending abruptly, creating a sense of openness and possibility. The rhyme scheme is ABABCB.

Conclusion:

"Strange Beautiful Woman" is a powerful and affirming poem that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the individual. Through its vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the poem encourages us to see the beauty in those who may seem different or unusual, and to resist the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

Poem Snippet:

"Strange beautiful woman/who intrigues me/with her imperfections."

"She is a flickering, spangled night,/a velvet veil of mystery."

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