Introduction: “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
“A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde, first appeared in her 1978 poetry collection, The Black Unicorn, explores themes of identity, strength, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality, resonating deeply within feminist and LGBTQ+ discourses. Lorde uses vivid and unapologetic language to address the struggles faced by Black women, rejecting stereotypes and asserting a self-defined existence beyond societal expectations. The poem’s popularity stems from its raw honesty and the lyrical quality with which Lorde voices resistance, resilience, and empowerment. It has become a staple in feminist literature for its groundbreaking challenge to oppression and its call for liberation, inspiring readers across generations to embrace their own voices and identities boldly.
Text: “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
Moon marked and touched by sun
my magic is unwritten
but when the sea turns back
it will leave my shape behind.
I seek no favor
untouched by blood
unrelenting as the curse of love
permanent as my errors
or my pride
I do not mix
love with pity
nor hate with scorn
and if you would know me
look into the entrails of Uranus
where the restless oceans pound.
I do not dwell
within my birth nor my divinities
who am ageless and half-grown
and still seeking
my sisters
witches in Dahomey
wear me inside their coiled cloths
as our mother did
mourning.
I have been woman
for a long time
beware my smile
I am treacherous with old magic
and the noon’s new fury
with all your wide futures
promised
I am
woman
and not white.
Annotations: “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
| Line | Annotation |
| Moon marked and touched by sun | Symbolizes dualities and contrasts, with “moon” often representing femininity, intuition, or darkness, and “sun” representing masculinity, clarity, or enlightenment. Lorde suggests a life shaped by both these forces. |
| my magic is unwritten | Refers to her unique, inherent power that is not captured or defined by traditional narratives or written histories, especially those of Black women and marginalized identities. |
| but when the sea turns back | The “sea” can represent vastness, emotion, and cyclical change. This line hints at a time when truth or legacy, often hidden, will be revealed. |
| it will leave my shape behind. | Her impact will be undeniable and enduring, even as the tides of history shift. Her existence and influence are resilient. |
| I seek no favor | She does not seek validation or approval, emphasizing self-sufficiency and rejecting the need for societal acceptance. |
| untouched by blood | Possibly signifies a spiritual or emotional state untainted by violence or the historical suffering of her people, or a refusal to be defined solely by trauma. |
| unrelenting as the curse of love | “Curse of love” could imply a complex, persistent emotion—love as both empowering and painful, a powerful force that cannot be easily dismissed. |
| permanent as my errors | Acknowledges personal imperfections and mistakes, embracing them as integral to her identity and legacy. |
| or my pride | Pride is as inherent and lasting as her flaws, showing an unapologetic self-acceptance. |
| I do not mix | Establishes her clear boundaries, where she does not conflate emotions or compromise her values for the comfort of others. |
| love with pity | Love is pure and not to be confused with pity, as the latter is often condescending and diminishes true connection. |
| nor hate with scorn | Hate is distinct from scorn; hate may be a more intense or righteous emotion, whereas scorn implies judgment. This separation preserves the authenticity of her feelings. |
| and if you would know me | Challenges the audience to truly understand her on a deeper level, beyond superficial assumptions. |
| look into the entrails of Uranus | A cosmic reference, Uranus symbolizes freedom, rebellion, and unexpected change in astrology. She invites understanding through a complex, universal perspective, rather than through conventional norms. |
| where the restless oceans pound. | “Restless oceans” reflect relentless, untamed emotions or forces. Oceans can symbolize both vast potential and raw, uncontrollable power within her identity. |
| I do not dwell | She does not confine herself to societal roles or static definitions, suggesting a progressive and evolving identity. |
| within my birth nor my divinities | Rejects the limiting labels of race, origin, or spirituality imposed by others, claiming her freedom to define herself beyond them. |
| who am ageless and half-grown | Reflects the timeless and fluid nature of her identity; she is ever-evolving, neither constrained by age nor by a complete self-definition. |
| and still seeking | Indicates her continuous journey of self-discovery, a pursuit of knowledge and connection. |
| my sisters | A reference to other women, especially Black women, as part of a shared struggle, heritage, and collective identity. |
| witches in Dahomey | Dahomey, a kingdom in West Africa known for its powerful women warriors, symbolizes ancestral strength and a connection to powerful, historical women. |
| wear me inside their coiled cloths | “Coiled cloths” suggest tradition and culture. These women carry her spirit and legacy with them, honoring her through the cultural practices they continue. |
| as our mother did | Alludes to a matrilineal inheritance of strength and resilience passed through generations. |
| mourning. | Mourning acknowledges the pain and struggles of their shared history, especially the legacy of slavery and oppression. |
| I have been woman | Emphasizes a historical, almost eternal sense of womanhood that transcends time, suggesting wisdom and resilience rooted in her identity as a woman. |
| for a long time | Implies endurance and continuity, underscoring her depth of experience and accumulated wisdom. |
| beware my smile | Her smile holds more than it reveals; it is layered with history, cautioning others not to mistake it for weakness or compliance. |
| I am treacherous with old magic | “Old magic” refers to ancient, powerful knowledge or energy, often associated with spirituality, mystery, and her heritage. Treachery suggests she can be formidable when underestimated. |
| and the noon’s new fury | Noon represents clarity, energy, and visibility, while “new fury” suggests the fresh, intense anger or strength she embodies in confronting modern-day challenges. |
| with all your wide futures | Sarcastically addresses the idealistic promises of equality and opportunity often made by those in power, which seldom materialize for marginalized groups. |
| promised | Criticizes unfulfilled promises of equality and prosperity that are made to marginalized communities, emphasizing her skepticism. |
| I am | Asserts her presence and identity with confidence. |
| woman | Reinforces her identity as a woman, linking her sense of self to her gender with pride and strength. |
| and not white. | Directly confronts racial identity, acknowledging the unique experiences, struggles, and resilience of Black women, differentiating her from the often privileged experiences of white women. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “Moon marked and touched by sun” | Repetition of the ‘m’ and ‘t’ sounds emphasizes the mystic, rhythmic quality of the line, enhancing the reader’s connection to the poem’s theme of natural and cosmic forces. |
| Allusion | “witches in Dahomey” | Refers to Dahomey (a historical African kingdom), conjuring ancestral strength and power. This connects the speaker’s heritage to ancient cultures and female warriors. |
| Anaphora | “I do not… I do not…” | Repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines to emphasize the speaker’s resistance to societal definitions and her self-determined identity. |
| Assonance | “Moon marked and touched by sun” | The repeated ‘o’ sound creates a sense of fluidity and connection, reflecting the duality of feminine (moon) and masculine (sun) imagery. |
| Connotation | “curse of love” | “Curse” here implies an intense, possibly painful connection, adding layers of meaning to the concept of love, making it both binding and relentless. |
| Enjambment | “I have been woman / for a long time” | The continuation of thought from one line to the next without pause reflects the ongoing, continuous nature of womanhood and her enduring identity. |
| Imagery | “look into the entrails of Uranus” | Vivid, cosmic imagery allows readers to envision a vast and ancient connection, evoking a sense of both power and mystery related to self-discovery. |
| Irony | “I seek no favor” | The speaker suggests a rejection of societal validation, though society often requires women to seek it. Her statement is an ironic defiance against this expectation. |
| Juxtaposition | “Moon marked and touched by sun” | The contrast between moon (femininity) and sun (masculinity) represents the dualities within the speaker, who embodies both energies, suggesting complexity within her identity. |
| Metaphor | “I am treacherous with old magic” | The speaker likens herself to “old magic,” implying she holds ancient, powerful wisdom. This metaphor elevates her inner strength and connects her to ancestral knowledge. |
| Metonymy | “the entrails of Uranus” | Uranus, often representing rebellion and change in astrology, stands for cosmic truths and her deeper, hidden identity. It substitutes the direct exploration of self with a universal symbol. |
| Parallelism | “I do not mix / love with pity / nor hate with scorn” | The parallel structure of these lines creates balance and symmetry, underscoring the speaker’s clarity and decisiveness in her emotions and beliefs. |
| Personification | “where the restless oceans pound” | The ocean is given human qualities of restlessness, symbolizing the turbulent emotions and timeless power within her identity. |
| Refrain | “I am / woman / and not white.” | The repetition of “I am” emphasizes her identity assertion, building toward the climactic statement of her racial and gender identity, grounding the poem’s core message of self-definition. |
| Repetition | “I am… I am…” | The repetition of “I am” reinforces her sense of self, grounding her statements in certainty and pride. |
| Simile | “permanent as my errors” | Compares the permanence of her identity to her errors, suggesting that mistakes and flaws are integral parts of her, adding depth and realism to her character. |
| Symbolism | “Moon marked and touched by sun” | The moon and sun symbolize feminine and masculine forces within her, representing dualities in nature and identity. |
| Tone | “beware my smile” | The tone here is cautionary, as her smile is both a warning and a source of concealed power, creating an aura of mystique and resilience. |
| Visual Imagery | “wear me inside their coiled cloths” | Creates a vivid image of women in traditional attire, symbolizing the preservation of her spirit and heritage within cultural practices. |
| Volta | “I am / woman / and not white.” | A shift in tone and subject that emphasizes racial identity and the unique challenges faced by Black women, making a powerful statement that rounds off the poem’s declarations of strength and individuality. |
Themes: “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
- Identity and Self-Definition
In “A Woman Speaks,” Lorde explores the theme of identity as she crafts a voice that is self-defined and unapologetic. The speaker rejects external expectations, stating, “I seek no favor,” emphasizing autonomy and independence from societal validation. This defiance is reinforced when she says, “I do not dwell within my birth nor my divinities,” signaling her resistance to being confined by roles imposed by birth, religion, or society. Her powerful assertions, such as “I am / woman / and not white,” underscore her pride in her Black womanhood, presenting identity as a multi-faceted construct rooted in both self-recognition and a rejection of external stereotypes. - Feminine Power and Ancestral Strength
Lorde invokes the concept of feminine power through ancestral imagery and references to magic, signifying a connection to the past and a lineage of strong women. In lines like “witches in Dahomey / wear me inside their coiled cloths,” she connects herself to the powerful female warriors of Dahomey, a historical African kingdom. This alignment with ancient strength situates her identity within a continuum of resilient women who have resisted oppression. Her declaration, “I am treacherous with old magic,” implies a power that is both mysterious and formidable, affirming a heritage of enduring strength passed down through generations. - Resistance to Oppression
The poem conveys resistance, particularly against the oppressive forces that Black women face due to intersecting layers of race and gender. The speaker warns, “beware my smile,” an assertion that hints at the hidden strength and subtle defiance underlying her demeanor. By rejecting pity, scorn, and favor, she dismantles expectations that reduce Black women to stereotypes, choosing instead to define herself on her terms. The line “and the noon’s new fury” further reflects her readiness to confront modern forms of discrimination with fierce energy, making resistance not only an individual act but a response to centuries of collective struggle. - Connection to Nature and the Cosmos
Lorde infuses her poem with natural and cosmic imagery, using it to express the vastness and complexity of her identity. The speaker describes herself as “Moon marked and touched by sun,” combining lunar and solar elements to represent dualities within her—a balance of femininity and strength. She also invokes “the entrails of Uranus” and “restless oceans,” symbols of cosmic and elemental forces, to illustrate the boundlessness and depth of her identity. These references suggest that her sense of self is tied to universal forces, emphasizing an interconnectedness that transcends individual experience and situates her identity within the larger scope of nature and the cosmos.
Literary Theories and “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
| Literary Theory | Application to “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde | References from the Poem |
| Feminist Theory | Feminist theory explores themes of gender, female identity, and resistance to patriarchal norms. In “A Woman Speaks,” Lorde asserts her individuality and strength as a woman while challenging traditional roles and expectations. Her defiant tone and pride in her identity reflect feminist resistance. | “I seek no favor” and “I am / woman / and not white” emphasize autonomy and self-defined identity, rejecting societal validation. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Postcolonial theory examines themes of cultural identity, race, and resistance to colonial and racial oppression. Lorde addresses the unique struggles of Black women, connecting her identity to African heritage and challenging Eurocentric narratives by asserting pride in her Blackness and femininity. | References to “witches in Dahomey” and “I am / woman / and not white” underscore her connection to African ancestry and identity. |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Psychoanalytic theory explores the unconscious mind, identity, and inner conflict. In this poem, Lorde’s references to cosmic elements and the “old magic” within her suggest a deep, layered identity. Her allusions to hidden power and resilience highlight her inner strength and complex self-awareness. | “beware my smile / I am treacherous with old magic” and “look into the entrails of Uranus” reflect a layered, powerful self. |
Critical Questions about “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
- How does Audre Lorde redefine feminine strength and resilience in this poem?
- Lorde challenges conventional perceptions of feminine strength by presenting a form of power that is both mystical and enduring. Through lines like “I am treacherous with old magic,” she speaks to a feminine strength rooted in ancestry and spiritual resilience rather than physical or societal validation. The reference to “witches in Dahomey” invokes the historical legacy of powerful African women, suggesting that her strength is inherited and transcends time. This challenges readers to rethink feminine power as something intrinsic and ancestral, connected to deeper forces beyond immediate comprehension or visibility.
- In what ways does Lorde confront intersectional identity in “A Woman Speaks”?
- Lorde’s exploration of identity extends beyond race or gender alone, instead merging both to emphasize the complexities faced by Black women. Her line, “I am / woman / and not white,” directly confronts racial and gender identity, suggesting that her experience is distinctly different from that of white women. By stating “Moon marked and touched by sun,” Lorde uses cosmic imagery to express the dualities within her—a layered existence impacted by both gender and racial forces. This raises questions about the ways in which intersecting identities affect one’s self-conception and experiences of oppression.
- How does Lorde use natural and cosmic imagery to assert self-definition and autonomy?
- Lorde’s use of cosmic and natural imagery—such as “Moon marked and touched by sun” and “look into the entrails of Uranus”—infuses her identity with a universal quality, implying that she is part of something vast and elemental. This imagery allows her to position herself outside traditional definitions and embrace a self-concept that is as expansive as the cosmos. Through these references, she suggests that her identity is untethered by social labels and instead draws from timeless and universal forces. Such an assertion of autonomy through nature invites readers to consider identity as something larger and more profound than societal constraints.
- What role does ancestral heritage play in the speaker’s sense of self in the poem?
- Ancestry and heritage are crucial in shaping the speaker’s identity, as seen in the line “witches in Dahomey / wear me inside their coiled cloths.” Here, Lorde invokes African lineage and the wisdom of powerful women ancestors, positioning herself within a lineage of resilience and strength. The ancestral heritage offers her both a source of power and a connection to past struggles and triumphs, suggesting that her identity is not solely her own but part of a collective heritage. This raises the question of how ancestral legacies influence individual identity and provides a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Literary Works Similar to “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
- “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou
Like Lorde’s poem, this celebrates Black womanhood and resilience, using bold language to affirm strength and pride in one’s identity. - “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou
Both poems share themes of defiance and empowerment, with Angelou’s poem also addressing racial and gender oppression with an unyielding spirit. - “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)” by Nikki Giovanni
Giovanni’s poem, similar to Lorde’s, draws on myth and cosmic imagery to celebrate Black heritage and self-worth, blending pride with a connection to history. - “For Women Who Are ‘Difficult’ to Love” by Warsan Shire
Shire’s poem resonates with Lorde’s as it explores complex womanhood and the refusal to conform, embracing strength and self-determination. - “A Litany for Survival” by Audre Lorde
Another of Lorde’s own works, this poem complements “A Woman Speaks” in its focus on survival and resilience against oppression, urging courage in the face of fear.
Representative Quotations of “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Moon marked and touched by sun” | Establishes dualities in the speaker’s identity, where moon symbolizes femininity and sun symbolizes masculinity. | Feminist Theory – Reflects the coexistence of gendered forces within her, challenging traditional gender roles by merging both feminine and masculine energies. |
| “my magic is unwritten” | Speaks to an inherent, undefined power that is unique to her identity and experience as a Black woman. | Psychoanalytic Theory – Suggests an inner, unconscious power that is not confined by societal norms, emphasizing self-empowerment rooted in the psyche. |
| “I seek no favor” | Asserts her independence from societal validation, suggesting self-sufficiency and autonomy. | Feminist Theory – Challenges patriarchal expectations by rejecting the need for approval, asserting her right to self-define. |
| “unrelenting as the curse of love” | Compares her resilience to the intensity and sometimes painful persistence of love. | Psychoanalytic Theory – Implies a complex relationship with emotion, suggesting that her power is both passionate and enduring. |
| “witches in Dahomey wear me inside their coiled cloths” | References powerful African women warriors, positioning her within a lineage of strength. | Postcolonial Theory – Reclaims African heritage and ancestral power, countering colonial narratives that have historically marginalized Black women’s strength. |
| “beware my smile” | Warns others not to misinterpret her appearance, as her smile conceals deeper, potentially dangerous power. | Feminist and Psychoanalytic Theory – Represents the hidden layers of a woman’s power, often underestimated in patriarchal society. |
| “I am treacherous with old magic” | Connects herself to ancient, mystical power, suggesting a form of feminine strength that is timeless. | Archetypal Theory – Aligns her with the archetype of the wise woman or sorceress, a symbol of ancient feminine wisdom and power. |
| “with all your wide futures promised” | Critiques the false promises made by society, particularly to marginalized communities. | Postcolonial and Marxist Theory – Examines broken promises of equality, especially relevant for oppressed groups, challenging capitalist and colonial promises. |
| “I am / woman / and not white.” | Declares her identity, acknowledging the unique experiences of Black women compared to white women. | Intersectionality (Feminist and Postcolonial Theory) – Highlights the distinct struggles faced by Black women, emphasizing race and gender’s combined impact. |
| “look into the entrails of Uranus” | Invites a deeper, cosmic understanding of her identity, suggesting complexity beyond social labels. | Psychoanalytic and Feminist Theory – Symbolizes an inward journey, advocating for a deeper, introspective understanding of self that defies societal limitations. |
Suggested Readings: “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde
- Carr, Brenda. “‘A Woman Speaks… I Am Woman and Not White’: Politics of Voice, Tactical Essentialism, and Cultural Intervention in Audre Lorde’s Activist Poetics and Practice.” College Literature, vol. 20, no. 2, 1993, pp. 133–53. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25112035. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
- Morris, Margaret Kissam. “Audre Lorde: Textual Authority and the Embodied Self.” Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, vol. 23, no. 1, 2002, pp. 168–88. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3347282. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
- Georgoudaki, Ekaterini. “AUDRE LORDE: REVISING STEREOTYPES OF AFRO-AMERICAN WOMANHOOD.” AAA: Arbeiten Aus Anglistik Und Amerikanistik, vol. 16, no. 1, 1991, pp. 47–66. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43023557. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
- Rudnitsky, Lexi. “The ‘Power’ and ‘Sequelae’ of Audre Lorde’s Syntactical Strategies.” Callaloo, vol. 26, no. 2, 2003, pp. 473–85. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3300873. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
- Lauter, Estella. “Re-Visioning Creativity: Audre Lorde’s Refiguration of Eros as the Black Mother Within.” Writing the Woman Artist: Essays on Poetics, Politics, and Portraiture, edited by SUZANNE W. JONES, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1991, pp. 398–418. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv5131jr.23. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.