Poem Analysis - Which Has More Patience Man Or Woman

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Which Has More Patience -- Man Or Woman?" is a lighthearted and humorous poem that playfully explores the age-old debate of which gender possesses greater patience. The poem employs a conversational tone, using anecdotal evidence and witty observations to argue for the superior patience of women. While the poem's argument is rooted in traditional gender roles, it approaches the topic with a gentle and amusing spirit, avoiding any sense of bitterness or harshness. The tone is mostly consistent, maintaining a cheerful and slightly teasing attitude throughout.

A Gentle Nudge at Gender Stereotypes

Although Lucy Maud Montgomery is best known for her children's books like Anne of Green Gables, her poetry often reflects more nuanced observations about society and human nature. While it is difficult to pinpoint very specific historical events, understanding early 20th-century Canada, where traditional gender roles were strongly enforced, is important to consider. The poem seems to gently subvert stereotypes by playfully highlighting male impatience and contrasting it with female endurance in everyday situations. It offers a glimpse into the societal expectations of men and women during Montgomery's time, while also humorously challenging them.

Patience as a Virtue: A Gendered Examination

One of the main themes is, unsurprisingly, patience itself. The poem frames patience as a desirable virtue, implicitly suggesting that those who possess it are better equipped to handle life's frustrations. The poem contrasts the calm resilience the speaker attributes to women with the explosive anger the speaker attributes to men, implying that patience is not just a matter of temperament but also of character. The poem argues that men are more easily provoked and less able to endure hardship without complaint.

Domestic Trials: Testing Grounds for Patience

Another clear theme is the daily struggles of domestic life as a crucible for patience. The poem utilizes vivid imagery of commonplace scenarios: a man struggling to soothe a crying baby or wrestling with a stovepipe. These images are meant to evoke sympathy and humor, but also to highlight the specific challenges faced by people within the home. Montgomery presents these scenarios as tests of patience, implying that successful navigation of these trials requires a greater degree of composure than men often demonstrate. The "listening air" turning "fairly blue" is a memorable image that encapsulates the male response to frustration, contrasting sharply with the presumed calmness of a woman in the same situation.

Adam and Eve: A Biblical Underpinning

The poem explicitly references the story of Adam and Eve, using it as a starting point for the discussion. The line "And Adam first did say, / 'Twas Eve led me astray,'" is crucial. The speaker uses this well-known instance of blame-shifting to suggest that men have been historically quick to deflect responsibility and slow to exercise patience. While seeming to reinforce the stereotype of Eve as a temptress, the poem subtly flips it by highlighting Adam's impatience and lack of accountability. The use of biblical imagery gives the poem a certain gravitas and invites readers to consider the historical roots of gendered expectations.

A Humorous Verdict: Women Bear the Palm

In conclusion, Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Which Has More Patience -- Man Or Woman?" is a charming and insightful poem that offers a humorous take on gender roles and expectations. Through vivid imagery, anecdotal evidence, and a playful tone, the poem argues that women possess a greater capacity for patience than men. While the poem's argument is rooted in traditional gender stereotypes, its lighthearted approach and witty observations make it an enjoyable and thought-provoking exploration of human nature. The final statement, "For central all-round patience bears the palm," confirms the poem's argument but does so in a light-hearted, almost celebratory way, making the poem more of a cheerful commentary than a pointed critique.