The Power of Poetics

Spelling

By Margaret Atwood

My daughter plays on the floor

with plastic letters,

red, blue & hard yellow,

learning how to spell,

spelling,

how to make spells.

I wonder how many women

denied themselves daughters,

closed themselves in rooms,

drew the curtains

so they could mainline words.

A child is not a poem,

a poem is not a child.

there is no either/or.

However.

I return to the story

of the woman caught in the war

& in labour, her thighs tied

together by the enemy

so she could not give birth.

Ancestress: the burning witch,

her mouth covered by leather

to strangle words.

A word after a word

after a word is power.

At the point where language falls away

from the hot bones, at the point

where the rock breaks open and darkness

flows out of it like blood, at

the melting point of granite

when the bones know

they are hollow & the word

splits & doubles & speaks

the truth & the body

itself becomes a mouth.

This is a metaphor.

How do you learn to spell?

Blood, sky & the sun,

your own name first,

your first naming, your first name,

your first word.

Margaret Atwood's "Spelling" is a masterful exploration of language, power, and the silencing of women's voices. At first glance, the poem appears simple, a childlike recitation of a word. However, it quickly delves into profound themes of female oppression and the transformative power of words.

Atwood contrasts the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities faced by women throughout history. She questions the sacrifices made by women who prioritize intellectual and creative pursuits over motherhood, highlighting the societal pressures and limitations imposed on female choices. The poem also delves into the silencing of women's voices, referencing historical examples of women being denied the right to speak or express themselves. The image of a woman in labor with her thighs tied together by the enemy is a powerful symbol of the physical and metaphorical constraints imposed on women's bodies and their ability to give birth, both literally and creatively.

Atwood explores the intricate connection between language and the physical body. She suggests that the body itself can become a means of communication, a "mouth" that speaks truths beyond the limitations of conventional language. The "melting point of granite" and the "bones know they are hollow" evoke a deeper, bodily understanding that transcends words.

The final line, "This is a metaphor," acknowledges the limitations of language and its ability to fully capture reality. Metaphors, while powerful, are ultimately representations, not the thing itself. This recognition underscores the need to explore other forms of expression and understanding.

"Spelling" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of female identity and highlights the importance of language as a tool of empowerment and resistance. By examining the historical and personal experiences of women, Atwood emphasizes the significance of language as a means of self-expression and the ongoing struggle for women's voices to be heard.

As I reflect on this poem, I am filled with admiration for women who have defied societal norms and fought for their voices to be heard. Their unwavering determination to break free from the shackles of oppression serves as a beacon of hope for future generations. Their stories remind us that language, when used as a tool of empowerment, can be a powerful weapon against injustice.

Through the lens of archetypes, we can uncover layers of meaning and symbolism that enrich our understanding of this powerful work.

The Maiden: Innocence and Potential

The poem begins with a young girl, a symbol of innocence and potential. She is eager to learn, to absorb knowledge, and to grow. This maidenly figure represents the beginning of a woman's journey, a time of curiosity and exploration.

The Mother: Creation and Sacrifice

The poem delves into the complexities of motherhood, both biological and creative. The image of the woman in labor, bound and silenced, speaks to the sacrifices and constraints often imposed upon women. Yet, it also suggests the transformative power of childbirth, both physical and spiritual. The act of giving birth to a child, or to a creative work, is a profound act of creation.

The Witch: Power and Transformation

The witch archetype emerges as a powerful force in the poem. She is the woman who defies societal norms, who embraces her intuition and her connection to the natural world. The witch is often marginalized and persecuted, but she possesses a deep wisdom and a potent magic. In "Spelling," the witch is the woman who speaks truth to power, who challenges the status quo. She is the one who uses the power of language to break free from the chains of oppression.

The Crone: Wisdom and Transcendence

The crone, the wise old woman, is the ultimate stage of feminine power. She is the keeper of secrets, the guardian of tradition. In "Spelling," the crone is the voice of experience, the one who sees beyond the surface. She understands the limitations of language and the power of silence. The final line of the poem, "This is a metaphor," suggests a deeper, more profound understanding that transcends words.

By exploring these archetypes, Atwood reveals the multifaceted nature of the female experience. The poem celebrates the power of women to create, to heal, and to transform. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the feminine, a spirit that has the power to shape the world.