“The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

“The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds was first published in 1984 in her collection The Dead and the Living. The poem is celebrated for its vivid imagery, keen observation of gender dynamics, and subtle exploration of burgeoning sexuality. Olds’s use of mathematical language to describe the girl’s intellect and her awareness of the boys’ physicality adds a unique layer to the poem. Its popularity stems from its relatable depiction of adolescence and the complex emotions that accompany the transition from childhood to adulthood. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a universal experience through a specific and memorable snapshot of a young girl at a pivotal moment in her life.

Text: “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

Annotations: “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

Line	Text	Explanation
1	When I take my girl to the swimming party	The speaker is describing taking their daughter to a swimming party.
2	I set her down among the boys. They tower and	The speaker places their daughter among boys, emphasizing their physical stature compared to hers.
3	bristle, she stands there smooth and sleek,	The contrast between the boys’ roughness and the girl’s smoothness is highlighted.
4	her math scores unfolding in the air around her.	The girl’s intelligence and academic prowess are metaphorically depicted as her “math scores unfolding,” suggesting her confidence and intellect in this environment.
5	They will strip to their suits, her body hard and	The boys will undress while the girl remains clothed, emphasizing the difference in their behavior and possibly implying her discomfort or vulnerability in this situation.
6	indivisible as a prime number,	The girl’s body is compared to a prime number, highlighting its uniqueness and indivisibility.
7	they’ll plunge into the deep end, she’ll subtract	The boys will jump into the pool, while the girl’s action is metaphorically described as “subtracting,” perhaps indicating her reluctance to fully participate.
8	her height from ten feet, divide it into	The girl calculates her height in relation to the depth of the pool, suggesting her analytical nature and how she processes her surroundings mathematically.
9	hundreds of gallons of water, the numbers	The girl mentally calculates the volume of water in the pool, further emphasizing her mathematical mindset and detachment from the boys’ activities.
10	bouncing in her mind like molecules of chlorine	The imagery of molecules bouncing suggests the girl’s active and analytical thought process, likening her mental activity to the movement of molecules.
11	in the bright blue pool. When they climb out,	The setting of the pool is described, and the transition to the boys climbing out of the water is indicated.
12	her ponytail will hang its pencil lead	The girl’s ponytail is likened to a pencil, possibly symbolizing her academic identity and seriousness.
13	down her back, her narrow silk suit	The description of the girl’s attire emphasizes her femininity and possibly her discomfort in a masculine environment.
14	with hamburgers and french fries printed on it	The design on the girl’s swimsuit contrasts with the seriousness of the situation, suggesting her innocence and youth.
15	will glisten in the brilliant air, and they will	The visual imagery suggests the contrast between the girl’s appearance and the environment, possibly highlighting her uniqueness and beauty.
16	see her sweet face, solemn and	The boys observe the girl’s facial expression, which is described as “sweet” and “solemn,” possibly indicating her composure and self-awareness.
17	sealed, a factor of one, and she will	The girl is metaphorically described as “sealed,” possibly suggesting her self-containment or lack of integration with the boys. The phrase “a factor of one” reinforces her individuality and separateness from the group.
18	see their eyes, two each,	The girl observes the boys’ eyes, highlighting the act of mutual observation and the awareness of their differences.
19	their legs, two each, and the curves of their sexes,	The girl notices the physical attributes of the boys, emphasizing their masculinity and her awareness of gender differences.
20	one each, and in her head she’ll be doing her	The girl continues to mentally calculate and analyze her surroundings, highlighting her detachment and intellectual independence.
21	wild multiplying, as the drops	The phrase “wild multiplying” suggests the girl’s active and imaginative thought process, contrasting with the boys’ physical actions. The drops of water are described as falling, possibly symbolizing the passage of time or the girl’s detachment from the moment.
22	sparkle and fall to the power of a thousand from her body.	The imagery of the drops sparkling and falling emphasizes the girl’s presence and influence in the environment, suggesting her significance and individuality amidst the group.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

Literary/Poetic Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	“smooth and sleek,” “sweet face, solemn and sealed,” “sparkle and fall”	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words to create a rhythmic effect and emphasize certain words or phrases.
Assonance	“bright blue pool,” “wild multiplying”	Repetition of vowel sounds within words to create internal rhyme and enhance the musicality of the poem.
Contrast	“They tower and bristle, she stands there smooth and sleek”	Highlighting the differences between the girl and the boys to emphasize their distinct characteristics.
Enjambment	Many lines in the poem run on to the next without punctuation.	Creates a sense of fluidity and mirrors the continuous flow of the girl’s thoughts.
Hyperbole	“the numbers bouncing in her mind like molecules of chlorine”	Exaggeration for emphasis and to create a vivid image of the girl’s mathematical mind.
Imagery	“bright blue pool,” “narrow silk suit with hamburgers and french fries”	Use of vivid language to appeal to the senses and create a mental picture.
Irony	“sweet face, solemn and sealed”	The girl’s appearance contrasts with her complex thoughts and calculations.
Juxtaposition	“her math scores unfolding in the air around her”	Placement of contrasting ideas or images side by side to create a surprising or thought-provoking effect.
Metaphor	“her body hard and indivisible as a prime number”	Comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as” to create a vivid and imaginative description.
Metonymy	“pencil lead” for “pencil”	Substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant.
Onomatopoeia	“sparkle”	A word that imitates the sound it represents.
Paradox	“her wild multiplying”	A statement that seems self-contradictory but may contain a hidden truth.
Personification	“her ponytail will hang its pencil lead”	Attribution of human qualities to an inanimate object.
Repetition	“two each”	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis and to create a sense of rhythm.
Rhyme	No regular rhyme scheme	The poem is written in free verse.
Simile	“the numbers bouncing in her mind like molecules of chlorine”	Comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as” to create a vivid and imaginative description.
Symbolism	“prime number,” “factor of one”	Use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Tone	Observational, slightly amused, and admiring	The speaker’s attitude towards the subject matter.
Understatement	“they will see her sweet face”	Presentation of something as being smaller or less important than it actually is.
Word Choice (Diction)	Use of mathematical terms like “subtract,” “divide,” “factor”	Specific vocabulary used to create a particular effect and convey the girl’s mathematical mind.

Themes: “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

• Theme 1: Gender Dynamics
  The poem explores the dynamics of gender roles and stereotypes, highlighting the contrast between the girl’s smooth and sleek presence among the boisterous boys. The boys “tower and bristle” while she stands out with her “math scores unfolding in the air around her” (They tower and / bristle, she stands there smooth and sleek, / her math scores unfolding in the air around her.). This theme is further emphasized by the boys’ physicality and the girl’s mental calculations.
• Theme 2: Intellectual Power
  The poem celebrates the girl’s intellectual prowess and her ability to think critically, even in a setting dominated by boys. The poem notes that “her body hard and / indivisible as a prime number” (her body hard and / indivisible as a prime number,), suggesting that her mind is sharp and capable. The girl’s mental calculations, such as subtracting her height from ten feet and dividing it into hundreds of gallons of water, demonstrate her intellectual agility.
• Theme 3: Social Awkwardness
  The poem touches on the theme of social awkwardness and the challenges of navigating social situations, particularly for a girl in a predominantly male environment. The girl’s “ponytail will hang its pencil lead / down her back” (her ponytail will hang its pencil lead / down her back,), and her “narrow silk suit / with hamburgers and french fries printed on it” (narrow silk suit / with hamburgers and french fries printed on it) may make her stand out in a way that feels uncomfortable.
• Theme 4: Self-Discovery
  The poem hints at the girl’s growing self-awareness and her ability to observe and analyze her surroundings. The poem notes that “in her head she’ll be doing her / wild multiplying” (in her head she’ll be doing her / wild multiplying,), suggesting that she is processing and making sense of her experiences. The girl’s observation of the boys’ bodies and her own, as well as her mental calculations, indicate a growing understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Literary Theories and “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

1. Feminist Theory: This lens focuses on the poem’s portrayal of gender roles and the girl’s unique position within a male-dominated space. The girl’s “math scores unfolding in the air around her” symbolizes her intellectual prowess, challenging traditional notions of femininity. Her body is described as “hard and indivisible as a prime number,” contrasting with the boys’ physicality. The poem celebrates the girl’s individuality and strength, subverting traditional gender stereotypes.
2. Psychoanalytic Theory: This approach delves into the girl’s subconscious thoughts and desires. Her “wild multiplying” could be interpreted as a metaphor for her burgeoning sexuality and a subconscious awareness of the boys’ attraction towards her. The poem explores the complex emotions of a young girl on the cusp of adolescence, navigating the uncharted waters of sexual awakening.
3. New Historicism: This theory examines the poem within its historical and cultural context. Published in 1984, the poem reflects societal expectations and gender norms of that era. The girl’s swimsuit with “hamburgers and french fries printed on it” signifies the commercialization of childhood and the objectification of female bodies. The poem subtly critiques these cultural influences while celebrating the girl’s resilience and unique identity.

Critical Questions about “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

• How does the poem explore the theme of gender and difference?
• The poem highlights the stark contrast between the girl and the boys. The boys are described with physical terms like “tower and bristle,” while the girl is “smooth and sleek.” This contrast emphasizes the physical differences between genders. The poem also highlights the girl’s intellectual abilities, symbolized by her “math scores unfolding in the air around her,” which sets her apart from the boys and their more physical focus. This difference is further accentuated by the girl’s swimsuit printed with “hamburgers and french fries,” a symbol of traditional expectations for girls, juxtaposed with her complex mathematical thoughts.
• How does the poem use mathematical imagery to convey the girl’s experience?
• The poem utilizes mathematical language to express the girl’s intellectual prowess and her way of perceiving the world around her. Phrases like “subtract her height,” “divide it into hundreds of gallons of water,” and “wild multiplying” reveal her mathematical mind. The numbers “bouncing in her mind like molecules of chlorine” portray her thoughts as active and dynamic. This mathematical imagery not only reflects the girl’s intelligence but also suggests a sense of detachment and analytical observation of the boys’ world.
• What is the significance of the final lines of the poem?
• The concluding lines, “and in her head she’ll be doing her wild multiplying, as the drops sparkle and fall to the power of a thousand from her body,” are pivotal. They suggest a shift in the girl’s perception. The “wild multiplying” could be interpreted as a metaphor for her burgeoning sexuality and a growing awareness of the boys’ attraction towards her. The sparkling drops falling from her body allude to her emerging womanhood and the power of her own physicality.
• How does the poem portray the girl’s emotional state and inner conflict?
• While the poem doesn’t explicitly state the girl’s emotions, it subtly hints at her complex inner state. Her “sweet face, solemn and sealed” suggests a facade of composure masking a turmoil of thoughts and feelings. The contrast between her “solemn and sealed” exterior and her “wild multiplying” mind reflects her internal conflict between societal expectations and her own emerging identity. The poem captures the complex emotions of a young girl on the cusp of adolescence, navigating the uncharted waters of self-discovery and sexual awakening.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statement
Gender Dynamics	How does the poem depict traditional gender roles and expectations?	In “The One Girl at the Boys Party,” Sharon Olds explores the dynamics of gender by contrasting the girl’s intellect and composure with the boys’ physicality and behavior, highlighting societal expectations and the girl’s defiance of gender norms.
Individuality	How does the girl assert her individuality in a male-dominated environment?	Through imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, “The One Girl at the Boys Party” illustrates the girl’s unique identity and intellectual prowess amidst societal pressures, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality in the face of conformity.
Intellectualism	What role does intellect play in the poem, and how is it portrayed?	Sharon Olds presents intellect as a source of empowerment and distinction in “The One Girl at the Boys Party,” showcasing the girl’s mathematical mind as a means of asserting her presence and autonomy in a setting dominated by physicality.
Social Conformity	How does the poem critique societal norms and pressures, particularly regarding gender roles?	By juxtaposing the girl’s intellectual pursuits with the boys’ conformity to traditional masculine behavior, “The One Girl at the Boys Party” challenges societal expectations and highlights the importance of authenticity and self-expression.

Literary Works Similar to “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

1. “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath: Explores themes of gender, identity, and social expectations, similar to Olds’ poem, but with a more personal and emotional tone.
2. “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus: Shares a similar focus on the experiences of women and the marginalized, with a strong emphasis on empowerment and resilience.
3. “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes: Like Olds’ poem, explores themes of identity, growth, and social dynamics, but with a focus on the African American experience.
4. “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid: Similar in its exploration of gender roles, social expectations, and the struggles of growing up, but with a more lyrical and introspective tone.
5. “Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy: Also critiques societal expectations of women and femininity, using a similar tone of irony and social commentary.

Suggested Readings: “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

1. Olds, Sharon. “The One Girl at the Boys’ Party.” The Dead and the Living, Alfred A. Knopf, 1984.
2. Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar, editors. Shakespeare’s Sisters: Feminist Essays on Women Poets. Indiana University Press, 1985.
3. Vendler, Helen. The Music of What Happens: Poems, Poets, Critics. Harvard University Press, 1999.
4. Poetry Foundation. “Sharon Olds.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/sharon-olds. Accessed 14 May 2024.

Representative Quotations from “The One Girl at the Boys Party” by Sharon Olds

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“They tower and bristle, she stands there smooth and sleek”	The speaker describes the physical contrast between the boys and the girl at the party.	Gender Dynamics: Highlights the societal expectation of masculinity as strong and dominant, while femininity is associated with grace and delicacy.
“her math scores unfolding in the air around her”	The speaker notes the girl’s intellectual abilities and confidence.	Feminist Theory: Celebrates the girl’s academic achievements and challenges traditional gender roles that often devalue women’s intellectual capabilities.
“her body hard and indivisible as a prime number”	The speaker describes the girl’s physical presence and confidence.	Body Politics: Emphasizes the girl’s bodily autonomy and self-assurance, challenging societal expectations of female vulnerability and passivity.
“they’ll plunge into the deep end, she’ll subtract her height from ten feet”	The speaker contrasts the boys’ physical actions with the girl’s mental calculations.	Social Constructionism: Highlights the socialization of gender roles, where boys are encouraged to take physical risks, while girls are expected to be more cautious and analytical.
“in her head she’ll be doing her wild multiplying”	The speaker describes the girl’s mental calculations and inner world.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Suggests the girl’s inner thoughts and desires are a source of empowerment and creativity, challenging traditional gender roles that often suppress women’s inner lives.