The Independent Man
The Independent Man - meaning Summary
Refusing Domestic Containment
Brooks presents a speaker who celebrates a man’s refusal to be domesticated or owned. Using the image of a bottled, sparkling object, the poem argues that no wife or woman could confine him to a single small life. His energy and freedom resist being corked, and the speaker advises a practical compromise: a woman should accept his independence and limit expectations to occasional visits rather than possession.
Read Complete AnalysesNow who could take you off to tiny life In one room or in two rooms or in three And cork you smartly, like the flask of wine You are? Not any woman. Not a wife. You'd let her twirl you, give her a good glee Showing your leaping ruby to a friend. Though twirling would be meek. Since not a cork Could you allow, for being made so free. A woman would be wise to think it well If once a week you only rang the bell.
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