Assessment 2A

Chosen Argument
How does the gender, race, or class of a reader shape their understanding of a poem?

Chosen Poems

“"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman”

“Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning”

“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot”

“Porphyria's Lover by Robert Browning”

Proposed Argument
In exploring the impact of gender on readers' understanding of poetry, the essay aims to analyze
the distinct perspectives portrayed in poems written from both male and female viewpoints.
Through a careful examination of societal expectations, relationships, and the nuanced
expressions of emotions, the argument seeks to illuminate how gender influences the
interpretation of poetic themes and the reader's connection to the text. The selected poems will
serve as windows into the intricate interplay between gender roles, providing valuable insights
into the shaping of literary meaning based on the reader's gendered perspective.

In conclusion, this essay will embark on a nuanced exploration of selected poems, dissecting the
distinct perspectives offered by male and female authors. Through a careful examination of
societal expectations, emotional expressions, and power dynamics, the analysis aims to highlight
the profound influence of gender on readers' interpretations of poetry. By delving into the
intricacies of each poem, we seek to unveil the layers of meaning shaped by cultural and
historical contexts, ultimately emphasizing the significance of acknowledging the reader's gender
as a pivotal factor in understanding and appreciating the diverse dimensions of poetic expression.

Sub-arguements

In exploring the impact of societal expectations and entrenched gender roles on the selected
poems, this sub-argument delves into the historical and cultural contexts of each work.
Analyzing the prevailing attitudes toward traditional gender norms during the respective time
periods, the essay examines how poets either conformed to or rebelled against these
expectations. This investigation considers instances where the poems serve as social
commentary, critiquing, reinforcing, or subverting established gender roles. Furthermore, the
sub-argument explores how the portrayal of characters within the poems may align with or
challenge readers' own perceptions of gender, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between
societal expectations and the construction of meaning in poetry.