Introduction: “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
The Black Unicorn by Audre Lorde, first appeared in 1978 in her collection The Black Unicorn, is characterized by its lyrical and evocative language, explores themes of identity, resilience, and the strength of the Black community. Lorde uses the mythical creature, the Black Unicorn, as a symbol of the marginalized and oppressed, embodying the beauty, power, and uniqueness of Black womanhood. The poem’s main idea is a celebration of Black identity in the face of prejudice and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of self-love, empowerment, and collective resistance.
Text: “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
The black unicorn is greedy.
The black unicorn is impatient.
‘The black unicorn was mistaken
for a shadow or symbol
and taken
through a cold country
where mist painted mockeries
of my fury.
It is not on her lap where the horn rests
but deep in her moonpit
growing.
The black unicorn is restless
the black unicorn is unrelenting
the black unicorn is not
free.
Annotations: “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
| Line from the Poem | Annotation |
| The black unicorn is greedy. | The unicorn symbolizes power, possibly representing marginalized groups, especially Black women. “Greedy” here could refer to an insatiable desire for freedom, identity, or justice. |
| The black unicorn is impatient. | This line adds to the urgency of the unicorn’s desire for change or recognition. It may reflect a sense of impatience with societal limitations or oppression. |
| The black unicorn was mistaken | The unicorn has been misunderstood by society. This reflects how Black women or other marginalized identities are often misrepresented or unseen. |
| for a shadow or symbol | Society reduces the unicorn (a symbol for Black women) to something abstract or irrelevant, failing to see its full complexity or reality. |
| and taken | This suggests the unicorn has been removed from its rightful place, possibly hinting at cultural displacement or forced assimilation. |
| through a cold country | The “cold country” could symbolize a hostile or indifferent environment, representing oppression or societal disregard for marginalized groups. |
| where mist painted mockeries | This refers to illusions or false perceptions of the unicorn, further emphasizing societal misunderstanding or trivialization of Black women’s struggles. |
| of my fury. | The unicorn’s fury symbolizes righteous anger against oppression. It implies that this anger is distorted or minimized by society. |
| It is not on her lap where the horn rests | The “horn” (a symbol of power or potential) is not easily accessible. It challenges traditional notions of passivity, suggesting the unicorn’s strength is hidden but growing. |
| but deep in her moonpit | “Moonpit” could be a metaphor for inner depth or feminine power, associating the unicorn with hidden strength or energy that is connected to the natural world, possibly lunar cycles. |
| growing. | The power within the unicorn is evolving, hinting at latent potential and the growth of resistance or self-empowerment. |
| The black unicorn is restless | The unicorn’s restlessness reflects the discomfort of being constrained by societal expectations or oppression. It is yearning for change. |
| the black unicorn is unrelenting | Despite adversity, the unicorn refuses to submit. This speaks to the perseverance and resilience of Black women in the face of ongoing struggles. |
| the black unicorn is not | A pause, suggesting a moment of contemplation. It leaves open the idea that identity or freedom is incomplete, yet to be fully realized. |
| free. | This final line speaks directly to the lack of freedom experienced by the black unicorn, representing how oppression still binds and limits Black women or other marginalized groups. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
| Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words. | “mist painted mockeries” | The repetition of the “m” sound creates a sense of mystery and melancholy. |
| Allusion | A reference to a famous person, place, thing, or event from history, literature, or mythology. | “The black unicorn was mistaken for a shadow or symbol” | This alludes to the unicorn, a mythical creature often associated with purity and innocence. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. | “The black unicorn is greedy. The black unicorn is impatient.” | This repetition emphasizes the unicorn’s qualities and creates a sense of urgency. |
| Assonance | The repetition of vowel sounds within words. | “The black unicorn is restless” | The repetition of the “e” sound creates a sense of unease and restlessness. |
| Connotation | The emotional associations attached to a word beyond its literal meaning. | “The black unicorn is greedy” | The word “greedy” implies a negative quality, suggesting that the unicorn is selfish and insatiable. |
| Denotation | The literal meaning of a word. | “The black unicorn is not free” | The word “free” literally means not confined or restricted. |
| Imagery | The use of vivid language to create mental images. | “where mist painted mockeries of my fury” | The image of mist painting mockeries creates a sense of illusion and deception. |
| Metaphor | A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “The black unicorn is restless” | The unicorn is compared to a restless creature, suggesting a sense of unease or dissatisfaction. |
| Metonymy | A figure of speech in which a thing is referred to by the name of something associated with it. | “deep in her moonpit” | The “moonpit” is a metaphor for the depths of the unicorn’s being, suggesting a hidden or mysterious quality. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things. | “The black unicorn is greedy” | The unicorn is given human qualities of greed and impatience. |
| Repetition | The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds. | “The black unicorn is…” | The repetition of the phrase “The black unicorn is” emphasizes the unicorn’s qualities and creates a sense of rhythm. |
| Symbolism | The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. | “The black unicorn” | The black unicorn symbolizes strength, resilience, and the power of embracing one’s unique identity. |
| Syntax | The arrangement of words in sentences. | “The black unicorn is not free” | The sentence structure is simple and direct, emphasizing the unicorn’s state of captivity. |
| Tone | The author’s attitude toward the subject matter. | The tone is one of defiance and determination, reflecting the unicorn’s struggle for freedom. | |
| Voice | The author’s distinctive style and personality. | Lorde’s voice is powerful and evocative, conveying a sense of urgency and passion. | |
| Word Choice | The selection of specific words to achieve a particular effect. | “mist painted mockeries” | The word “mockeries” suggests that the mist is mocking or deceiving the unicorn. |
Themes: “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
- Oppression and Misrepresentation: The poem delves into how marginalized identities, particularly Black women, are misunderstood and misrepresented. The line “The black unicorn was mistaken for a shadow or symbol” suggests that society reduces the black unicorn—an emblem of Black womanhood—to something abstract, overlooking its full humanity and complexity. This theme highlights how marginalized individuals are often objectified or seen through a distorted lens.
- Power and Strength: Lorde explores the inner strength of the black unicorn, symbolizing the hidden or latent power of Black women. The imagery of the horn growing “deep in her moonpit” suggests an untapped or evolving potential, associating this power with something ancient and natural. The unicorn’s resilience and growing strength despite oppression indicate a profound inner power that cannot be easily taken away or diminished.
- Anger and Resistance: The poem reflects a deep-seated anger towards systemic oppression and the refusal to conform or be subdued. Lines like “where mist painted mockeries of my fury” and “the black unicorn is unrelenting” demonstrate the speaker’s righteous anger at how society diminishes her and other Black women’s rage. Yet, this fury is not passive but active, signifying a form of resistance that refuses to be silenced or contained.
- Confinement and Lack of Freedom: The final lines of the poem reveal that despite the black unicorn’s strength and resistance, it remains unfree. The statement “the black unicorn is not free” reflects the continued constraints placed on Black women, who, despite their resilience, are still bound by societal oppression. This theme underscores the ongoing struggle for true liberation and equality, indicating that freedom is not yet within reach.
Literary Theories and “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
| Literary Theory | Key Concepts | References from the Poem |
| Feminist Theory | Focuses on gender inequality and the experiences of women. | “The black unicorn is not free” |
| Postcolonial Theory | Examines the effects of colonialism and imperialism on colonized societies. | “through a cold country where mist painted mockeries of my fury” |
| Queer Theory | Challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality. | “The black unicorn is restless” |
Critical Questions about “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
Four Critical Questions about “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
1. What is the significance of the unicorn as a symbol in the poem? The unicorn, often associated with purity and innocence, is subverted in Lorde’s poem. The black unicorn, a marginalized and misunderstood creature, represents the Black woman and her experiences of oppression. The unicorn’s mythical qualities symbolize the strength, resilience, and power that Black women possess despite facing adversity.
2. How does the poem explore the themes of identity and self-determination? The poem delves into the complexities of Black identity and the struggle for self-determination. The unicorn’s journey through a “cold country” where her “fury” is mocked reflects the challenges and discrimination faced by Black women. However, the poem ultimately asserts the unicorn’s strength and resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-love and empowerment.
3. What is the role of the moonpit in the poem? The moonpit, a hidden and powerful place, symbolizes the inner strength and resilience of the Black woman. It is where the unicorn’s horn grows, suggesting that her power and identity are rooted in her own self-worth and agency. The moonpit represents a sanctuary where the unicorn can nurture her strength and resist external pressures.
4. How does the poem address the concept of freedom? The poem explores the elusive nature of freedom for the Black woman. While the unicorn is not explicitly free, she is restless and unrelenting, suggesting a constant striving for liberation. The poem implies that freedom is not merely an external state but a state of mind, achieved through self-determination and resistance.
How does Lorde’s use of the unicorn as a symbol contribute to the poem’s
· overall meaning?
- Lorde’s use of the unicorn as a symbol is central to the poem’s meaning. The unicorn, traditionally associated with purity and innocence, is reimagined as a black, powerful figure. This subversion of the traditional image challenges societal expectations and stereotypes. The black unicorn represents the marginalized and oppressed, yet it also embodies strength and resilience. By associating these qualities with the unicorn, Lorde suggests that marginalized individuals can find power and beauty in their own identities.
· What is the significance of the unicorn’s captivity in the poem?
- The unicorn’s captivity symbolizes the constraints and limitations faced by marginalized individuals. It suggests that even those who are strong and resilient can be confined by societal pressures and expectations. The unicorn’s struggle for freedom reflects the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
· How does Lorde’s exploration of the unicorn’s identity relate to her own experiences as a Black woman?
- Lorde’s exploration of the unicorn’s identity is deeply connected to her own experiences as a Black woman. As a marginalized individual, Lorde faced discrimination and prejudice throughout her life. The unicorn’s struggle for self-acceptance and liberation mirrors Lorde’s own personal journey. By creating a powerful symbol of resistance and empowerment, Lorde gives voice to the experiences of marginalized individuals and inspires them to embrace their own unique identities.
· What is the overall message of the poem, and how does it relate to contemporary issues of race, gender, and identity?
- The overall message of “The Black Unicorn” is a call for empowerment and self-acceptance. Lorde encourages marginalized individuals to embrace their unique qualities and resist societal pressures. The poem’s themes of identity, resilience, and resistance remain relevant today, as individuals continue to struggle against discrimination and inequality. The black unicorn serves as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find strength and beauty in our own identities.
Literary Works Similar to “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
- “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Like Lorde’s poem, this piece celebrates Black women’s resilience and strength in the face of oppression.
- “A Litany for Survival” by Audre Lorde: Another of Lorde’s own works, this poem explores survival, resistance, and the struggles of marginalized communities, particularly Black women.
- “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou: This poem, similar to “The Black Unicorn”, centers on the power, beauty, and confidence of Black womanhood.
- “Won’t You Celebrate With Me” by Lucille Clifton: Clifton’s poem, like Lorde’s, reflects on Black identity, survival, and self-empowerment amidst societal oppression.
- “Harlem” by Langston Hughes: Though focused on dreams deferred, Hughes’ poem resonates with Lorde’s exploration of frustration, anger, and the unfulfilled desires of oppressed individuals.
Representative Quotations of “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “The black unicorn is greedy.” | The poem begins by describing the unicorn as “greedy,” reflecting its insatiable desire for freedom or power. | Feminist Theory: This challenges traditional feminine qualities like passivity, associating Black women with ambition and hunger for autonomy. |
| “The black unicorn is impatient.” | The unicorn’s impatience reveals frustration with societal constraints and the need for immediate change. | Postcolonial Theory: Reflects the urgency for liberation from systems of oppression imposed on marginalized communities. |
| “The black unicorn was mistaken for a shadow or symbol.” | The unicorn, representing Black women, is misinterpreted as something less real or substantial. | Critical Race Theory: This highlights how Black identity is often reduced to stereotypes or symbols rather than being seen in its full humanity. |
| “taken through a cold country” | The unicorn is displaced into a hostile, unwelcoming environment, symbolizing systemic oppression. | Diaspora Studies: The “cold country” can represent the alienation of being in a society that is indifferent to or hostile toward Black existence. |
| “where mist painted mockeries of my fury.” | The unicorn’s justified anger is trivialized or misunderstood by others. | Affect Theory: Explores how emotions, particularly rage, are minimized or distorted when expressed by marginalized people, especially Black women. |
| “It is not on her lap where the horn rests.” | The power of the unicorn is not visibly displayed but hidden deep within, growing out of sight. | Psychoanalytic Feminism: Suggests the hidden potential and power of women, often not outwardly acknowledged by society but growing internally. |
| “but deep in her moonpit growing.” | The image of the “moonpit” connects the unicorn’s power to natural cycles, particularly feminine energy. | Ecofeminism: Links the feminine (moon, cycles) with nature, suggesting an intrinsic, natural power tied to the earth and the feminine body. |
| “The black unicorn is restless.” | The unicorn’s restlessness conveys dissatisfaction with its current state and desire for liberation. | Intersectionality: Highlights how Black women experience multiple forms of oppression, contributing to a constant state of unease or unrest. |
| “the black unicorn is unrelenting.” | Despite oppression, the unicorn remains determined and persistent. | Resistance Theory: This reflects the continual resistance against oppression, suggesting an enduring struggle for empowerment and autonomy. |
| “the black unicorn is not free.” | The poem ends with the stark reality that despite its power and resistance, the unicorn remains unfree. | Feminist Liberation Theory: Points to the ongoing fight for true freedom and equality, specifically for Black women, who remain constrained by systems of oppression. |
Suggested Readings: “The Black Unicorn” by Audre Lorde
- Lorde, Audre, and Adrienne Rich. “An Interview with Audre Lorde.” Signs, vol. 6, no. 4, 1981, pp. 713–36. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3173739. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024
- Michaels, Jennifer. “The Impact of Audre Lorde’s Politics and Poetics on Afro-German Women Writers.” German Studies Review, vol. 29, no. 1, 2006, pp. 21–40. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27667952. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.
- Provost, Kara, and Audre Lorde. “Becoming Afrekete: The Trickster in the Work of Audre Lorde.” MELUS, vol. 20, no. 4, 1995, pp. 45–59. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/467889. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.
- Bowen, Angela. “Diving into Audre Lorde’s ‘Blackstudies.’” Meridians, vol. 4, no. 1, 2003, pp. 109–29. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40338830. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.