Vain Efforts Of “The Woman” 

“The Woman” written by Nikki Giovanni conveys the struggles of a woman who is trying to fit herself into various number of categories in order to appease her man. The period where this poem was written which is in 1978, were the times known for women beginning to gain a place in society with the new feminist movement. Hence, the concept of women having the strength to hold on to life as individuals without having to lean onto men is also pictured in this free verse, short poem. 

In the first stanza we see an imagery with her wanting to “be a blade of grass” that her man can find companionship in and be a dandelion, that in reality is very connected with grass, although he refuses it. In second stanza Nikki G. compares the woman to a “robin singing” between the leaves by personifying the bird. She tries to sound appealing and please him perhaps with her sweet melodies as a “robin” but the man rejects to be her tree. Continuing on she states that she whirled herself into “a web” that is “looking for a rest stop.” It is obvious that in order for a web to stay on a surface, the most needed thing is a corner, which the neglective man in this poem steps back from being one for her. She pursues trying endlessly. Even tries to be a “book”, providing openness and honesty. The man wouldn’t read as if he was illiterate. Before the last stanza she states “turning herself into a bulb” in the need of some soil and a bit of water, nonetheless any of these did not come from the hands of the man she was desiring. 

This woman tried every way, not realizing her self-worth and just raising her hopes up to meet his expectations. Tried to fit into many molds that could be the answer maybe, adopting and sinking towards the role of “the inferior one” more and more. Despite all her efforts, she was not seen and was undervalued by the man. In the last stanza her one last attempt, being “a woman” does not receive any attention from the man either. Lastly, she decides not to grant a care. 

The greatest decision this female character gives is being independent from someone that does not appreciate her. Realizing no matter what change she goes through it will not be enough for the wrong person. Her fight ends when she takes her own feelings into account and so the truth, that she finds “all right” now. Just like many women who lived in that time of society, she slowly but surely takes a step to feeling competent and enough.