“Wanda Why Aren’t You Dead” by Wand Coleman is a short poem depicting a scene between Wanda and supposedly another person. Although most seem to view this poem as a mental battle, I feel that this poem represents a scene in which Wanda is mocking a man that has been criticizing her. From her language, I get the sense that she is a very strong woman, hence I feel she would not be in such a mental state as to be yelling at herself. Coleman uses repetition, criticizing diction, and varying tones to portray this one sided argument.
Although this poem is represents a one-sided conversation, there is great emphasis on the other person, Wanda. The repetition of ‘Wanda’ at the beginning of every sentence plays a great importance in this poem, for it shows that all the attention (or all the blame) is on her. The speaker focuses solely on Wanda, her living standards, her looks, and any other flaws that he can pick on. The repetition of ‘Wanda’ forms an annoying tone, as if he is purposely trying to pester her. The repetition of phrases such as “if i were you were you were you” also creates an annoying tone, for it seems as though this man is mocking her.
Coleman also uses very harsh diction to portray the state in which Wanda is living. From the poem we can gather that Wanda is a lower class, overweight, black woman, with children. This man is clearly degrading her by asking her why she can’t “afford to move out of this hell hold” or if she’s “into chains”. The diction is playfull, but there is most certainty a harsh undertone. When he says, “you’re joking. girl, you crazy”, it is apparent that he is trying to make her feel inferior, as most men do during an argument. With this nonchalant tone, with a underlying criticism, he is able to take charge of the argument in a very obvious way.
The key element of this poem was the change in tone. Throughout the poem there seems to be this annoying, teasing, tone. However; at certain points throughout the poem one can see that although this is not meant to be harmful teasing, there is something serious growing as well. Coleman creates this tone first of all using harsh diction, showing that this man, whoever he may be, is taking his teasing a little too far. The repetition of the sentence “wanda why are you so angry” and the last line “why aint you dead”, shows that this argument is more serious than it first entails. The man’s ego has clearly gotten in the way of this argument, forcing him to lose his temper.
Overall, Coleman’s use of repetition, diction, and tone create a playful poem with a slightly disturbing undertone. It is hard for one to assess the seriousness of this poem, but we all know that it is there. The sheer distinction between this man and woman angers my feminist side, a reaction that Coleman seemingly wanted to provoke within her readers.
Hi Pooja! Your introduction mentioned your own interpretation of the poem and you support your reasoning behind this but I am quite confused by your reasoning. You mention that from her language you “get the sense that she is a very strong woman.” Do you mean the way she communicates? Her language is very poor as observed through her syntax with the lack of punctuation and decapitalization. I would think that poor grammar would suggest weakness because of her low level of education. It is good that you included the three things your commentary will be discussing.
ReplyDeleteThe structure of your commentary is organized and well. Beginning with your introduction and then following to your body paragraphs then to your conclusion. Simple and concise.
Your analysis of each device is supported well with quotations from the poem itself. I am a bit confused by your third paragraph because there are some simply grammatical errors which alters the point you are trying to make. For example when you state that “although this is meant to be harmful teasing, there is something serious growing as well.” I think by the word “harmful” you were actually meaning harmless? If not, I do not understand this point. Your analysis could have gone deeper and revealed a little about Wanda herself and next time do a spell check! I like how you included your judgement in your conclusion. Overall, good job!