Poem – ‘The Sorrow of Women’
The poem 'The Sorrow of Women' by Mamang Dai is a poignant
expression of the female sensibility in the face of adversity and
suffering. The poet portrays the woman as a mother who has to
endure the pain of losing her son to a snake bite and coping with her
daughter's autism. The poem also reflects the poet's cultural
background and the values of her community.
The poet uses various poetic devices to convey the sorrow of
women. Some of them are:
Imagery: The poet creates vivid images of the woman's life
and struggles, such as "the river of blood", "the dark forest",
"the silent house", and "the empty cradle". These images
evoke the emotions of grief, fear, loneliness, and despair in
the reader.
Metaphor: The poet compares the woman's life to a river
that flows endlessly, carrying the burden of sorrow and pain.
She also compares the woman's heart to a stone that is hard
and cold, unable to feel joy or love.
Repetition: The poet repeats the phrase "the sorrow of
women" throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme and
the tone of the poem. She also repeats the word "alone"
several times, highlighting the isolation and helplessness of
the woman.
Contrast: The poet contrasts the woman's situation with the
natural elements, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, and
the flowers. She shows how the woman is deprived of the
beauty and warmth of nature, and how she lives in a dark
and cold world.
The poem is a powerful and moving tribute to the resilience and
strength of women, who face various challenges and hardships in
their lives. The poet also urges the reader to empathize with the
woman and to respect her dignity and courage. The poem reflects
the poet's own sensibility and her awareness of the social and
cultural issues that affect women.
