3rd poem I Was My Own Route
Julia de Burgos
"I Was My Own Route" is a powerful poem by Julia de Burgos, a famous Puerto Rican poet. The poem is about a woman who decides to follow her own path in life. She wants to live freely, be herself, and not be controlled by society’s rules, especially those made for women.
About the Poet
Julia de Burgos (1914–1953) was a Puerto Rican poet, teacher,
and activist. She fought for women’s rights, racial equality, and Puerto
Rico’s independence. Her poems often express strong emotions, personal
struggles, and the desire to be free and true to herself.
Setting
The poem doesn’t talk about a real place. The "route"
or path in the poem is a symbol of the speaker’s life journey — her
personal decision to go her own way.
Tone
The tone of the poem is strong, proud, and
bold. The speaker speaks with confidence and shows that she is not
afraid to stand alone and make her own choices.
Themes
1.Self-Discovery and Independence: The poem shows
how important it is to find your own way and not just follow what others
say.
2.Identity and Empowerment: It talks about
the strength of knowing who you are, especially as a woman or a
marginalized person.
3 Freedom: The speaker
celebrates her freedom to live her life her own way, not how others
expect her to.
4. Rebellion and Courage: The poem shows a
spirit of resistance, saying “no” to society’s rules and choosing to be
different and brave.
Summary
In
"I Was My Own Route," Julia de Burgos
strongly expresses the idea of independence
and self-control. The speaker talks about her personal journey
and says she chose her own path
in life, not the one that society expected her to follow. When she says, "I was my own route," she means that she
didn’t let others, especially society or men, define who she should be. She
believed in living her life her own way.
The
poem shows the struggle between the speaker’s wish to be free and the rules
that society tried to force on her. Julia de Burgos, who stood for women’s rights and justice, adds a feeling of strength and resistance to the poem. The speaker’s
journey is not only about knowing herself but also about fighting back against those who tried to control her.
She does not want to be like everyone else. She wants to be true to herself, even if others don’t agree.
In
the end, the poem becomes a celebration of freedom
and self-confidence. The speaker understands that it is better
to be herself—even if she has to stand alone. The poem tells us that we should
be free to live our own life, be ourselves, and ignore unfair
rules made by society. It teaches us that choosing our own way is powerful,
even when it’s hard.
Understanding the Text – Simple Answers
a.
Why did the speaker try to be the way men wanted her to be?
The
speaker tried to act the way men wanted because of social
pressure. In her time, women were
expected to follow men’s rules. At first, she tried to fit in
and be accepted, but later, she realized this
was not right and chose to follow her own way.
b. What do you understand by her feet ‘would not accept walking
backwards’?
It
means the speaker refused to go back to her old life.
She didn’t want to follow society’s rules anymore. Her feet
wanted to move forward, toward a life of freedom and self-growth, not back to a life of
control.
c. Who are the old guards? Why did they grow desperate?
The
old guards are the people who believe in old-fashioned rules, especially about
how women should behave. They grew desperate because the speaker rejected their rules. Her freedom threatened their power, so they tried to stop her.
d. How did the speaker have ‘a feeling of intimate liberation’?
She
felt free deep inside when she broke
away from society’s rules. She accepted who she truly was and
stopped living for others. This gave her a personal,
joyful feeling of freedom.
e. Why did the speaker’s desire to follow men warp in her?
She
stopped wanting to follow men because she saw that doing
what they wanted made her lose her own self. Over time, her
wish to please them changed into a desire to be
free, and she chose to live her own way instead.
Reference to the Context
a.
What does the speaker mean when she says she was ‘playing a game of hide and
seek with her being’?
She
means she was hiding her real self
to please others but also trying to
find her true identity. She felt confused
and lost, like playing a game, unsure of who she really was.
b. Why was her back ripped by the old guards as she was advancing
forward?
This
means the old rules and people who supported them tried to hurt her
as she became more free. Her growth and
independence made them angry, and they tried to stop her,
causing pain and struggle.
c. Why does the speaker prefer the present to the past?
She
likes the present because now she feels free and true to herself. The past was full of pressure and rules. In the
present, she can live honestly and grow,
which makes her feel stronger and happier.
d. Would Burgos agree with Donne’s view? Do you agree with Donne
or Burgos?
Julia
de Burgos may not fully agree
with Donne. Donne says people are connected and
need each other, but Burgos believes more in being independent and living your own way.
Both
are partly right. I agree more with Donne,
because people do need others for
support and love. But I also agree with Burgos, because we must be true to ourselves. We need a balance between freedom and connection.
Summary
In "I Was My Own
Route," Julia de Burgos expresses a powerful declaration of
self-determination and independence. The speaker reflects on their personal
journey, emphasizing that they have followed their own path, distinct from the
expectations or pressures of society. Through the phrase "I was my own
route," the speaker rejects the conventional roles or definitions imposed
by others, particularly those related to gender and societal expectations. This
stance represents an assertion of autonomy, where the speaker claims their
right to navigate life on their own terms, without being bound by external
norms.
The poem reveals a tension between
the speaker’s desires for personal freedom and the constraints placed on them
by societal structures. De Burgos, known for her advocacy for women’s rights
and social justice, imbues the poem with a sense of defiance. The speaker's
journey is not just one of self-discovery but also of rebellion against the
forces that seek to limit or control their identity. The speaker resists
conformity, choosing instead to embrace their individuality and authenticity,
unafraid of what others might think or say.
Ultimately, it becomes a
celebration of personal empowerment and freedom. The speaker recognizes the
importance of staying true to themselves, even if it means defying societal
expectations or standing alone. Through this self-affirmation, the poem
advocates for the right to live freely, explore one’s true identity, and reject
external influences. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of self-determination
and the value of choosing one’s own path, no matter the obstacles that may
arise.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a.
Why did the speaker try to be the way men wanted her to be?
The speaker in Julia de Burgos's
poem tried to be the way men wanted her to be due to societal pressures and the
expectations placed on women at the time. In many cultures, women were often
expected to conform to traditional gender roles, and this included submitting
to the desires and ideals set by men. The speaker may have initially tried to
meet these expectations in an effort to fit in, gain acceptance, or fulfill the
roles that society deemed appropriate for women. However, as the poem
progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker rejects these imposed roles,
ultimately seeking to embrace her own identity and path.
b.
What do you understand by her feet ‘would not accept walking backwards’?
The phrase "my feet would not
accept walking backwards" symbolizes the speaker’s refusal to return to
the past or to follow the path of conformity and submission. It represents a
rejection of the limitations and expectations placed on her by society, particularly
those dictated by men. The speaker’s feet, metaphorically, are determined to
move forward—toward self-discovery, empowerment, and autonomy—rather than
retreating to a time when she was expected to conform. It highlights her
commitment to progress and personal growth, refusing to be held back by
outdated norms.
c.
Who are the old guards? Why did they grow desperate?
The "old guards" in
Julia de Burgos's poem represent the traditional forces of society those who
uphold conventional norms and expectations, particularly regarding gender
roles. These guards, often men or authority figures, grew desperate because the
speaker’s rejection of these traditional roles threatened their established
power and control. As the speaker asserts her independence and refuses to
conform, the old guards see this as a challenge to their authority, leading
them to feel threatened and desperate to maintain their influence over her and
others who might follow her path of defiance.
d.
How did the speaker have ‘a feeling of intimate liberation’?
The speaker experiences "a
feeling of intimate liberation" as she frees herself from the societal
constraints and expectations imposed upon her, especially by men and
traditional norms. This liberation comes from embracing her own identity,
desires, and autonomy, without being bound by the roles others have tried to
assign her. The phrase suggests a deep, personal sense of freedom one that is
both empowering and intimate, as it reflects her inner truth and the personal
joy of living authentically, beyond the limitations of societal judgment.
e.
Why did the speaker’s desire to follow men warp in her?
The speaker’s desire to follow men
warped in her because, over time, she realized that conforming to their
expectations and fulfilling their desires stifled her own sense of identity and
freedom. Initially, she may have sought to please or meet societal standards,
but as she gained more awareness, she recognized that this path led to a loss
of her own self and autonomy. The realization that following men's desires
compromised her independence and true identity led to a transformation, where
her desire to please them became a rejection of her own authenticity,
ultimately warping into defiance and self-liberation.
Reference to the context
a. What does the speaker mean when she says
she was playing a game of hide and seek with her being’?
When the speaker says she was
"playing a game of hide and seek with her being," she is describing a
struggle with her own identity. The phrase suggests that she was hiding or
suppressing her true self, perhaps to conform to the expectations of others,
while also seeking to discover or express her authentic identity. This internal
conflict reflects the tension between her desires to please society and her
need for self-actualization, where she was unable to fully embrace or reveal
her true nature. The "game" symbolizes the uncertainty and
frustration of trying to reconcile these opposing forces.
b.
Why, in your view, was her back ripped by the old guards as she was advancing
forward?
In the poem, the speaker’s back
being "ripped by the old guards" as she advances forward symbolizes
the pain and resistance she faces from the established forces of society—the
"old guards"—as she challenges their traditional norms. As the
speaker moves toward self-liberation and rejects the roles imposed on her, she
encounters opposition and backlash. The "ripping" represents the
emotional and psychological suffering caused by those who want to keep her in
the past, bound by conventional expectations. It highlights the struggle for
personal freedom, where breaking free from societal constraints often comes
with conflict, hardship, and pain.
c. Why
does the speaker prefer the present to the past?
The speaker prefers the present to
the past because the present represents freedom, self-discovery, and autonomy,
whereas the past symbolizes a time of conformity and suppression. In the past,
the speaker was likely bound by societal expectations and roles, particularly
those imposed by men. As she moves forward, she embraces her true identity and
desires, finding liberation in the present moment. The present allows her to
break free from the constraints of the past and live authentically, making it a
time of empowerment and personal growth, whereas the past holds her back in
terms of self-expression and independence.
d. John
Donne, in his poem “No Man is an Island”, says, “No man is an island entire of
itself.” Would Burgos agree with Donne? Do you agree with Donne or Burgos?
Julia de Burgos and John Donne
both explore the concept of individualism, but their views reflect different
perspectives.
Burgos might not fully agree
with Donne, as her poem emphasizes personal autonomy and the importance of
embracing one’s own path, free from societal constraints. In "I Was My Own
Route," she rejects the external expectations placed on her by others,
especially men, and asserts her independence. For her, the individual’s journey
and identity are paramount, and while connections with others may be
acknowledged, the focus is on personal self-determination.
Donne, on the other hand, suggests
that no person is truly isolated or self-sufficient, emphasizing
interconnectedness and the idea that humans are fundamentally social beings,
reliant on one another for support, meaning, and growth. His metaphor implies
that every individual is part of a greater whole, and isolation leads to a loss
of humanity.
In terms of personal
agreement, I might lean toward Donne’s perspective, as I
believe human beings thrive in interconnectedness. While individual autonomy is
important, personal growth often happens within a social context, and
relationships provide essential support and meaning. However, I also see the
value in Burgos’s message of self-empowerment and breaking free from societal
limitations, as it is important to find balance between independence and
connection.
Write an essay on My Idea of
Freedom.
My Idea of Freedom
Freedom, in my view, is the ability to live authentically and make
choices without being constrained by societal norms or external pressures. It
means having the autonomy to express oneself, follow one’s passions, and take
control of one’s life direction. True freedom allows individuals to shape their
own identity, free from the expectations of others. Whether it is the freedom
to pursue a career, education, or personal beliefs, it is about having the
space to explore who you truly are and make decisions that align with your
values, rather than conforming to the demands of society.
However, freedom is not just about individual autonomy; it also
involves the ability to live without fear or oppression. In a truly free
society, people should be able to express themselves, practice their religion,
and live according to their values without facing discrimination or
persecution. Freedom, in this sense, requires the creation of an environment
where all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or background, can live in
equality and dignity. The freedom to live without fear of judgment or harm is a
fundamental human right that should be protected for all.
Along with personal and social freedoms, I believe that freedom
also entails responsibility. Being free means understanding the impact of one’s
actions on others and the world around us. It is important to recognize that
true freedom cannot come at the expense of others' rights or well-being. A
balanced approach to freedom is one where individuals respect the freedoms of
others while exercising their own rights. This means living with empathy and mindfulness,
ensuring that our pursuit of freedom does not infringe upon the freedoms of
others.
In conclusion, freedom is both an individual and collective
experience. It is about the right to self-expression, equality, and living
without fear of oppression, while also understanding that it comes with the
responsibility to respect others’ freedoms. True freedom in my eyes is not just
about being free from external constraints, but about creating a world where
everyone has the opportunity to live freely, expresses their authentic selves,
and contributes to a society of mutual respect and understanding.
Literary Devices used in the poem
1. Metaphor
Definition: Comparing two things directly without using
“like” or “as.”
Example: “I was my own route”
Meaning: The speaker compares herself to a path or
journey she chooses freely, showing independence and self-direction.
2. Symbolism
Definition: Using symbols to represent bigger ideas.
Example: The “route” symbolizes the speaker’s life
choices and freedom.
Meaning: It represents breaking away from society’s expectations and
following one’s own way.
3. Repetition
Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
Example: The poem repeats ideas about being free and
independent.
Meaning: This stresses the speaker’s strong desire for freedom and
self-identity.
4. Tone
Definition: The attitude or feeling of the poem.
Example: The tone is confident and rebellious.
Meaning: It shows the speaker’s courage and
determination to live authentically.
5. Imagery
Definition: Using descriptive language to create pictures
in the reader’s mind.
Example: The poem describes the speaker’s journey and breaking free from
control.
Meaning: It helps readers feel the strength and freedom the speaker
experiences.
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