Reading Notes W6: Bunina, Part X

Anna Bunina, “Conversation between me and the Woman” (384-387)

Conversation between me and the woman:

·         This poem is about the power difference between woman and men.

·         Also covers a struggle over proper education overall.

·         Example: “Though few of us, in truth, have Russian educations, and Russian verses make such complications” (385). This refers to the fact that most women didn’t have an education or a not even a proper one at least. As stated, “As few as 6 percent of Russian men could read in 1800, and 4 percent of women” (384).

·         The women reject Russian poetry and she argues against that by saying men will be her fame.

·         The women are just look for typical pretty words, while the author is more old-fashioned with Russian poetry instead.

·         Example: “Don’t expect brothers, husbands, fathers, sons to praise you even once” (385). She is practically stating that women shouldn’t expect men to praise because they won’t. This is hinting instead at woman independence.

·         Example: “In fortifying my own timid voice through Nature’s loveliness, I’m braver in a flash” (386). This is basically stating that through writing she gives her own voice. Therefore, declaring her independence as a woman and being braver than a typical woman at this time, as can be seen through her arguments against the women.

·         “Tis only men you honour with your lays, as if their sex alone deserved your praise. You traitress! Give our case some thought” (387). She is being called a traitor for using the argument that men decide her fame as a writer. This praise makes them think she is now supporting men when she is supposed to be supporting women.

·         “It’s true, my dears, you are no less, but understand: with men, not you, the courts of taste are manned where authors all must stand, and all author’s fame is in their hands” (387). She lays down some cold hard truths that men have all the power even though women should be considered just as equal. She states that men are what decide her fame. This defines her struggle at obtaining independence as a female author.