“Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

“Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker, first published in 1973, is characterized by its powerful imagery, vivid language, and poignant exploration of themes such as self-worth, societal expectations, and the liberation of the individual spirit. The main idea of the poem is a celebration of individuality and a rejection of the societal pressures to conform to traditional norms. Walker encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and to resist the urge to be defined by the expectations of others.

Text: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

Be nobody’s darling;
Be an outcast.
Take the contradictions
Of your life
And wrap around
You like a shawl,
To parry stones
To keep you warm.
Watch the people succumb
To madness
With ample cheer;
Let them look askance at you
And you askance reply.
Be an outcast;
Be pleased to walk alone
(Uncool)
Or line the crowded
River beds
With other impetuous
Fools.

Make a merry gathering
On the bank
Where thousands perished
For brave hurt words
They said.

But be nobody’s darling;
Be an outcast.
Qualified to live
Among your dead.

Annotations: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

Line	Annotation
Be nobody’s darling;	Walker urges rejecting societal expectations of conformity and pleasing others.
Be an outcast.	Encouragement to embrace the role of an outsider, not fitting into societal norms.
Take the contradictions	Life is full of contradictions; Walker suggests accepting and owning them.
Of your life	The contradictions are personal and specific to one’s own life.
And wrap around	The contradictions can be embraced and used as protection.
You like a shawl,	Imagery of wrapping contradictions around oneself like a shawl, symbolizing comfort and defense.
To parry stones	The contradictions serve as a shield to deflect criticisms or judgments from others.
To keep you warm.	These contradictions provide emotional warmth and resilience against external pressures.
Watch the people succumb	Walker observes the chaos and madness that people face in society.
To madness	“Madness” represents the irrationality of societal conformity or the insanity caused by trying to fit in.
With ample cheer;	The speaker suggests maintaining cheerfulness and detachment in the face of societal chaos.
Let them look askance at you	Society may judge the outcast, but the speaker encourages self-confidence in response.
And you askance reply.	The speaker advises meeting judgment with an equal, indifferent glance, showing defiance and self-assurance.
Be an outcast;	A reiteration of the command to embrace nonconformity.
Be pleased to walk alone	The speaker encourages finding satisfaction in walking one’s own path, even if it means being alone.
(Uncool)	Emphasizes that being “uncool” in society’s eyes is a form of liberation.
Or line the crowded	Metaphorically refers to joining other nonconformists who have faced hardship.
River beds	The “crowded river beds” likely symbolize places where others who resisted society’s norms have gone, possibly suggesting death or common struggle.
With other impetuous	Refers to those who are bold and brave in their defiance of societal norms, even if they are seen as reckless.
Fools.	The term “fools” is likely used ironically, referring to those who are courageous enough to stand up for what they believe in despite being labeled as such by society.
Make a merry gathering	The outcasts can find joy and solidarity among others who share similar experiences.
On the bank	Refers to a place of rest or community, where those who have perished for their beliefs are honored.
Where thousands perished	A reflection on the many people who have died for speaking out against injustice.
For brave hurt words	These individuals perished for their brave but painful words, spoken in resistance to societal norms or oppression.
They said.	A continuation of the idea that their words were important, even though they led to suffering or death.
But be nobody’s darling;	A reiteration of the original theme: reject societal approval and conformity.
Be an outcast.	Another reinforcement of the central idea of being an outsider.
Qualified to live	The speaker suggests that those who resist societal norms and live authentically are worthy of joining the ranks of those who have done so before them.
Among your dead.	The “dead” here likely refers to the legacy of those who have resisted conformity, implying an honorable place among them.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	The repetition of the same initial sound in words that are close together.	“Be nobody’s darling; Be an outcast.”	The repetition of the “B” sound creates a strong, rhythmic effect.
Allusion	A reference to a famous person, place, thing, or event from history, literature, or mythology.	“Where thousands perished For brave hurt words They said.”	This alludes to the historical events of the civil rights movement, where many people were killed for speaking out against injustice.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.	“Be nobody’s darling; Be an outcast.”	The repetition of “Be” emphasizes the central message of individuality and nonconformity.
Antithesis	The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or elements.	“Take the contradictions Of your life And wrap around You like a shawl”	The contrast between the contradictions of life and the comforting nature of the shawl emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s complexities.
Assonance	The repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close together.	“Be nobody’s darling”	The repetition of the “a” sound creates a melodic and haunting effect.
Connotation	The emotional associations attached to a word or phrase.	“Outcast”	The word “outcast” has negative connotations, suggesting isolation and rejection, but in the context of the poem, it is presented as a positive quality.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“Watch the people succumb To madness With ample cheer”	This imagery paints a picture of a society that is out of touch with reality.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“Wrap around You like a shawl”	The speaker compares the contradictions of life to a comforting shawl.
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory but expresses a truth.	“Be an outcast; Be pleased to walk alone”	The paradox suggests that being an outcast can actually be a source of pleasure and fulfillment.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things.	“Let them look askance at you And you askance reply”	The speaker personifies the people who look at her with disapproval.
Repetition	The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds.	“Be nobody’s darling”	The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the central theme of the poem.
Rhyme	The repetition of sounds at the end of words.	“Darling” and “warming”	The poem uses rhyme to create a musical and rhythmic effect.
Symbolism	The use of objects or images to represent abstract ideas.	“River beds”	The river beds symbolize the challenges and dangers of life.
Syntax	The arrangement of words and phrases in sentences.	“Be an outcast. Take the contradictions Of your life And wrap around You like a shawl”	The use of short, choppy sentences creates a sense of urgency and immediacy.
Tone	The attitude of the speaker toward the subject matter.	The tone of the poem is defiant and empowering.
Understatement	A figure of speech that deliberately presents something as less important than it actually is.	“Make a merry gathering On the bank Where thousands perished”	The speaker understates the seriousness of the historical events she is referring to.
Verbal irony	Saying the opposite of what you mean.	“Be an outcast; Be pleased to walk alone”	The speaker uses verbal irony to suggest that being an outcast can be a positive experience.
Word choice	The selection of specific words to convey meaning and evoke emotion.	The speaker uses simple, direct language that is easy to understand.
Figurative language	The use of words in a non-literal way to create images and evoke emotions.	The poem is rich in figurative language, including metaphors, similes, and personification.
Theme	The central idea or message of the poem.	The theme of the poem is individuality, self-worth, and the rejection of societal pressures.

Themes: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

• Individuality and Nonconformity: Alice Walker celebrates the importance of individuality and encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities. In the poem, she urges the speaker to “Be nobody’s darling” and to “Be an outcast,” emphasizing the value of rejecting societal norms and expectations. Walker suggests that true fulfillment comes from embracing one’s own path, rather than trying to fit into a mold defined by others.
• Resilience and Strength: The poem highlights the strength and resilience that can be found in adversity. The speaker is encouraged to “Take the contradictions Of your life And wrap around You like a shawl,” suggesting that even challenges can be turned into sources of comfort and protection. Walker emphasizes the importance of finding inner strength and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
• Social Criticism: Walker uses the poem to critique societal pressures and the dangers of conformity. She depicts a society where people are “succumb[ing] To madness With ample cheer,” suggesting that blind conformity can lead to a loss of individuality and a collective descent into irrationality. The poem serves as a warning against the dangers of following the crowd and the importance of critical thinking.
• The Power of Words and Expression: The poem underscores the power of words and expression as a means of resistance and empowerment. The speaker is encouraged to “Be an outcast” and to “Make a merry gathering On the bank Where thousands perished For brave hurt words They said,” suggesting that even in the face of oppression, words can be a powerful tool for change. Walker emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice and using one’s voice to challenge societal norms.

Literary Theories and “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Feminist Theory	Feminist theory often addresses themes of independence, rejection of traditional gender roles, and defiance of societal expectations. The poem advocates for rejecting norms, especially the need for approval or conformity, which can be seen as a challenge to patriarchal expectations placed on women.	– “Be nobody’s darling;” – “Be pleased to walk alone (Uncool)” – “Be an outcast;”
Existentialism	Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the necessity of forging one’s own path despite the absurdity of life. The poem resonates with existentialist themes by encouraging the individual to embrace contradictions and reject societal judgment, highlighting the individual’s power to define their own essence.	– “Take the contradictions / Of your life / And wrap around / You like a shawl,” – “Be an outcast;”
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial theory examines the effects of colonialism and advocates for the reclaiming of identity in the face of oppression. In the poem, the theme of being an outcast and rejecting mainstream approval can be interpreted as resisting dominant cultural norms and reclaiming marginalized identities. This can be applied to discussions about race, ethnicity, and cultural resistance in postcolonial contexts.	– “Let them look askance at you / And you askance reply.” – “Qualified to live / Among your dead.”

Critical Questions about “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

• How does the poem challenge societal norms and expectations of conformity?
• Alice Walker’s poem “Be Nobody’s Darling” directly opposes the societal pressure to conform, urging the reader to embrace their individuality even if it leads to isolation or being labeled as an outcast. Lines such as “Be an outcast” and “Be pleased to walk alone (Uncool)” advocate for rejecting popular notions of what is acceptable or “cool.” The poem’s encouragement to “wrap around / You like a shawl” the contradictions of life implies that embracing one’s complexities can serve as both protection and warmth, even in the face of judgment. This defiance of societal norms speaks to the importance of self-acceptance over fitting in.
• What role does nonconformity play in the creation of identity in the poem?
• Nonconformity is central to the formation of identity in “Be Nobody’s Darling.” Walker invites the reader to reject societal definitions of who they should be, thus allowing them to create a more authentic self. By advising to “Be nobody’s darling,” the poem suggests that seeking approval or love from others diminishes one’s autonomy. Instead, “Be an outcast” highlights that nonconformity is not only a path to individual freedom but also a powerful way to define oneself without societal limitations. The rejection of external validation is presented as a necessary step toward self-realization.
• How does the poem relate to historical or cultural resistance movements?
• The imagery in “Be Nobody’s Darling” evokes a connection to historical and cultural movements where marginalized groups resisted dominant forces. The line “Where thousands perished / For brave hurt words / They said” may allude to individuals who have suffered or died for speaking out against oppression, whether in civil rights, anti-colonial struggles, or feminist movements. This reference frames resistance and nonconformity not just as individual choices, but as acts of solidarity with past generations who have fought for justice, making the personal inherently political.
• What does the poem suggest about the consequences of rejecting societal approval?
• Walker’s poem presents the consequences of rejecting societal approval as both isolating and empowering. The speaker acknowledges that to be an outcast is to face “madness” and judgment from others, as seen in the lines “Let them look askance at you / And you askance reply.” However, the tone of the poem remains defiant and celebratory, as indicated by “With ample cheer” and the call to “make a merry gathering / On the bank.” The poem implies that those who reject society’s norms may be alone, but they are also liberated, finding a deeper sense of community and belonging among other nonconformists and historical figures who have walked the same path.

Literary Works Similar to “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

• “I Am a Black Woman” by Maya Angelou: Both poems celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black women.
• “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Both poems convey a message of defiance and empowerment in the face of adversity.
• “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks: Both poems explore themes of youth, rebellion, and the dangers of societal pressures.
• “Mad Woman” by Adrienne Rich: Both poems challenge societal expectations and stereotypes imposed on women.
• “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Both poems explore themes of alienation, isolation, and the fear of judgment.

Representative Quotations of “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Be nobody’s darling;”	The speaker urges the reader to resist societal pressures to conform and be liked.	Feminist Theory: Rejects traditional expectations of women to please others and seek approval, encouraging independence.
“Be an outcast.”	Repeated advice to embrace outsider status, rejecting conformity.	Existentialism: Advocates for individual freedom and self-definition, emphasizing the importance of standing apart from societal norms.
“Take the contradictions / Of your life”	The speaker suggests embracing the complexities and contradictions of one’s existence.	Postmodernism: Acknowledges the fragmented and contradictory nature of identity, rejecting the need for a singular, cohesive self.
“And wrap around / You like a shawl”	Contradictions are seen as something comforting and protective.	Psychological Perspective: Embracing contradictions provides psychological resilience against external criticism and societal expectations.
“To parry stones / To keep you warm.”	The contradictions of life act as protection against the judgment of others.	Feminist Theory: The metaphor of deflecting attacks can relate to resisting patriarchal judgment and the societal limitations imposed on marginalized identities.
“Let them look askance at you”	The speaker acknowledges that society will judge, but advises the reader to respond indifferently.	Postcolonial Theory: This could relate to the experience of marginalized people who are constantly judged by dominant cultures but are urged to maintain self-confidence.
“Be pleased to walk alone / (Uncool)”	Celebrates walking a solitary path, away from mainstream trends.	Existentialism: Celebrates the authenticity of being oneself, even at the cost of being socially excluded or deemed “uncool.”
“With other impetuous / Fools.”	Refers to those who, like the speaker, reject conformity and embrace defiance.	Anarchism: Reflects the value of collective rebellion against societal structures and norms, even if such behavior is considered foolish by the mainstream.
“Where thousands perished / For brave hurt words”	Refers to those who have died for speaking truth to power.	Historical Materialism: Highlights the legacy of those who have fought against oppressive systems, often at great personal cost, aligning with revolutionary struggles.
“Qualified to live / Among your dead.”	The speaker suggests that by embracing one’s identity, they are connected to those who resisted before them.	Postcolonial Theory: Connects personal resistance to a broader historical legacy of cultural and political defiance.

Suggested Readings: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker

1. Royster, Philip M. “In Search of Our Fathers’ Arms: Alice Walker’s Persona of the Alienated Darling.” Black American Literature Forum, vol. 20, no. 4, 1986, pp. 347–70. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2904436. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
2. Christophe, Marc-A. “‘THE COLOR PURPLE’: AN EXISTENTIAL NOVEL.” CLA Journal, vol. 36, no. 3, 1993, pp. 280–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44322526. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
3. Ward, Jerry W. “FIVE CONTEMPORARY BLACK POETS.” Obsidian (1975-1982), vol. 1, no. 1, 1975, pp. 88–97. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44490374. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
4. Kirkland, Edwin C. “A Check List of the Titles of Tennessee Folksongs.” The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 59, no. 234, 1946, pp. 423–76. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/537042. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.