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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

STRAWBERRY MOON, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Mary Oliver's poem “Strawberry Moon” is a haunting narrative that intertwines themes of love, betrayal, shame, and resilience, set against the backdrop of societal norms and personal tragedy. The poem is divided into six parts, each contributing to the layered story of Elizabeth Fortune and the consequences of her brief romance under the white moon.

The poem begins with a vivid, romantic scene: “My great-aunt Elizabeth Fortune / stood under the honey locust trees, / the white moon over her and a young man near.” Oliver sets the stage with sensory-rich details, painting a picture of a warm, idyllic night filled with promise. The falling blossoms, warm grass, and the young man “full of promises” create an atmosphere of enchantment and possibility. The moon, described as “a white fire,” serves as both a witness and a symbol of the passion and intensity of the moment.

However, this romantic interlude is abruptly disrupted: “Later, / when the young man went away and came back with a / bride, / Elizabeth / climbed into the attic.” The young man's departure and return with another woman shatter Elizabeth’s dreams, leading her to retreat into seclusion. The attic becomes her place of exile, representing her isolation and the beginning of her long withdrawal from society.

The second part of the poem delves into the aftermath of this betrayal: “Three women came in the night / to wash the blood away, / and burn the sheets, / and take away the child.” This section is stark and poignant, detailing the erasure of Elizabeth’s indiscretion. The actions of the women—washing away blood, burning sheets, and removing the child—speak to the harsh measures taken to preserve family honor and conceal shame. The child’s gender is forgotten, underscoring the erasure of its existence and the cold efficiency of the cover-up.

In the third part, Elizabeth’s prolonged seclusion is described: “Elizabeth Fortune was not seen again / for forty years / Meals were sent up, / laundry exchanged.” This prolonged isolation, presented as a “proper” solution, highlights the oppressive nature of societal norms that prioritize appearances over individual well-being. Elizabeth’s confinement is a stark commentary on the treatment of women who transgress societal boundaries.

The fourth section marks a shift as Elizabeth is forced to reenter society: “Finally, name by name, the downstairs died / or moved away, / and she had to come down, / so she did.” At sixty-one, Elizabeth resumes a semblance of normal life, taking in boarders and performing household tasks. Her minimal speech—“spoke whatever had to be spoken, / and no more”—reflects her internalized silence and the emotional toll of her isolation.

In the fifth part, the speaker’s curiosity about the past leads to a conversation with her mother: “I asked my mother: what happened to the man? She answered: / Nothing.” The man’s mundane life, contrasted with Elizabeth’s tragic fate, underscores the gendered disparity in consequences for the same act. While the man continues his life unscathed, Elizabeth’s life is irrevocably altered. The mother’s response—“No, she said, / though sometimes he would come / to the house to visit. / Elizabeth, of course, stayed upstairs”—reinforces Elizabeth’s continued invisibility and the enduring impact of her ostracism.

The final part of the poem brings the narrative full circle, connecting Elizabeth’s story to a broader context: “Now the women are gathering / in smoke-filled rooms, / rough as politicians, / scrappy as club fighters.” This imagery evokes a sense of solidarity and resistance among women, suggesting a collective awakening and empowerment. The closing lines—“if sometimes, when the white moon rises, / women want to lash out / with a cutting edge”—express a justified anger and a desire for retribution against the injustices endured.

“Strawberry Moon” by Mary Oliver is a powerful exploration of personal and collective trauma, resilience, and the silent strength of women. Through the story of Elizabeth Fortune, Oliver critiques societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and highlights the enduring impact of such norms on individual lives. The poem’s evocative language, rich imagery, and narrative structure create a poignant and thought-provoking piece that resonates with themes of love, loss, and resistance.


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