POW #7

The Symbolism of Birds in Women’s Literature

            In the 19^th and 20^th centuries the literary movement of naturalism influenced the work of many authors. The movement suggested that like animals humans were influenced by their heredity and social conditions. Naturalism sought to scientifically explain life and the development of the human character. In many naturalistic texts humans were compared to or represented by animals. In this way it was shown that humans were not above animals; HUMANS WERE ANIMALS (5. COMPOUND SENTENCE USING “;” LONG THEN SHORT). One animal that was often used as a representation of a person was a bird. For centuries the bird has been utilized as a powerful symbol in folklore, poetry and literature. John Burroughs’ writes,

 “the very idea of a bird is a symbol . . . A bird seems to be at the very top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life… the beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds—how many human aspirations are realized in their lives” (Burroughs 5).

A bird has the ability of flight, they are masters of the air, and are free to go where they wish. Their flight symbolizes a freedom that humans were not gifted with BECAUSE birds are not bound like humans to the dusty ground (3. END WITH BECAUSE CLAUSE). In literature and poetry, though, they have been utilized endlessly as a symbol for mankind’s hopes and desires (4. USE THOUGH). The ever-watching owl symbolizes wisdom while the large eagle represents courage and freedom; the poised crane reflects the concept of immortality and the loyal falcon embodies a noble guardian; and, last but not least, the small yet plain sparrow represents hope (7. SENTENCE WITH “;” AS SUPER COMMA). It is interesting then, when studying women’s literature, that women often chose the bird as symbol or metaphor for themselves (8. REMOVE SO). Throughout much of the 19^th and 20^th   centuries, women were viewed as house wives. Their duty was to get married, have kids, and take care of the house. BECAUSE women’s choices and options were limited, many felt trapped by society’s expectations (2.START A SENTENCE WITH BECAUSE). They were not allowed to explore different career paths. NOR were they given the freedom to find themselves (1. START A SENTENCE WITH NOR). They were a far cry away from the birds that could respite in their flight. However, time and time again, women have used a bird as a metaphor to identify with themselves. Often the bird is a caged one, one kept in gilded bars, which is not allowed that beauty of flight. As women, they were trapped by society; as a bird, they were free to dream of their freedom and also dwell on the sadness of their forced captivity (6. COMPOUND SENTENCE WITH “;” WITH TWO SENTENCES) By examining the use of a bird as a symbol or metaphor in writings of women authors such as Mary Freeman, Susan Glaspell, Sarah Jewett, and Kate Chopin, one can begin to see and understand why women found a connection between themselves and birds.