I AM NOT THAT WOMAN Poem -- by Kishwar Naheed -Notes - SUMMARY

I AM NOT THAT WOMAN  -- by Kishwar Naheed

        “I am not that woman” is a poem written by Kishwar Naheed, an Indian born poet who migrated to Pakistan. This poem shows the stereotyping of women in a patriarchal society. The phrase ‘that woman’ in the title of the poem mocks at the general conception of women in a male- chauvinistic society.

The author opposes the control of men over women. She says that her reputation is not limited to selling socks and shoes i.e., as a half naked model on the poster. The woman too possesses an intellect and individuality which was not recognized by the men. The speaker tries to explain how the women are discriminated by the men. She complains that the man tries to conceal her identity in the walls of stone, while he wanders around free as the breeze. But she says that her voice cannot be smothered or stifled by stone walls.

The speaker highlights how the women have been crushed by the customs and traditions for generations. She says that light cannot be hidden in darkness.  The Man takes flowers from her only to leave her thorns. However, Man is ignorant to the fact that chains cannot smother her fragrance.

The poet also refers to how a woman’s life is ruined with the dowry system. Due to this, she becomes a liability for her parents. The parents regard themselves as free after ridding themselves of the burden.

Her chastity is not regarded, her motherhood is not respected and her loyalty is not reciprocated. It is now high time for her to be flower-free: to fully blossom realizing herself.  The poet finally ends saying that the nation can be called free when the women are given liberty.

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NOOJILLA SRINIVAS

Lecturer in English

Govt. Degree College

Alamuru

Ph: 7981862200