Poem Analysis - Spelling

Margaret Atwood's "Spelling" is a powerful exploration of language, power, and female experience. The poem begins with a seemingly innocent domestic scene before delving into the historical and societal constraints placed upon women's voices. It moves from a tone of gentle observation to one of fierce defiance and ultimately, hopeful instruction. The poem is a celebration of language as a source of power, particularly for women who have historically been denied their voices.

Historical Silencing and Female Creativity

Atwood, a Canadian author known for her feminist perspectives, subtly weaves in the historical context of women's oppression. The poem references "the burning witch, her mouth covered by leather / to strangle words," directly connecting to historical persecution of women who were often silenced and punished for speaking out or possessing knowledge. This image contrasts starkly with the opening scene of the daughter learning to spell, suggesting a historical shift and the potential for future generations to wield language freely. The lines about women who "denied themselves daughters, / closed themselves in rooms, / drew the curtains / so they could mainline words," speaks to the sacrifices some women made, possibly alluding to the literary sacrifices required in a male dominated literary landscape to pursue their own artistic expression without domestic expectations.

The Intertwined Power of Language and Birth

One of the central themes is the link between language, power, and the female body, particularly in relation to birth and creative expression. The stark image of the woman "caught in the war / & in labour, her thighs tied / together by the enemy / so she could not give birth" is a brutal metaphor for the suppression of female creativity and power. It suggests that controlling a woman's ability to give birth is analogous to controlling her ability to speak and create. In contrast, the poem also portrays the body itself becoming "a mouth" when language transcends its limitations, suggesting that the female body can be a powerful source of expression in itself.

Metaphorical Language as a Path to Truth

The poem makes extensive use of vivid imagery and symbolism. The recurring image of blood, for example, can be interpreted in multiple ways. It symbolizes life, pain, and the raw, visceral experience of being human. The "rock" that "breaks open and darkness / flows out of it like blood" is a powerful image of repressed emotion and the potential for powerful expression when those emotions are finally released. Furthermore, the image of granite melting shows the intense power language can have when truth is spoken, breaking down even the most solid and resistant materials. Atwood explicitly states that "This is a metaphor," drawing attention to the transformative power of language and the necessity of interpreting beyond the literal.

Claiming the Right to Speak and Name

The ending of the poem returns to the simple act of learning to spell, but with a newfound significance. The emphasis on learning "your own name first, / your first naming, your first name, / your first word" highlights the importance of self-definition and the power of claiming one's own identity through language. This act is a direct response to the historical silencing of women. The poem ultimately advocates for women to embrace language as a tool for empowerment and self-expression, offering a hopeful vision of a future where women can freely speak their truths and create their own narratives.