The Use of Images in William Carlos Williams, The Young Housewife Essa

The Use of Images in William Carlos Williams, The Young homemaker As is typical of most Modernist poetry, William Carlos Williams uses very specific images in The Young Housewife to reveal not merely a particular circumstance or event, but to also suggest underlying themes and ideas of his subject matter. For example, he parts to the commentator various real and imagined images, such her moving about in housecoat behind c overlookd doors, or her going about her daily affairs, that argon at once very seductive and suggestive of ideas that supercede their appearances. These images especially evince the young housewifes naturalness and beauty. However, they are quickly contrasted by a proportion drawn by Williams of the young lady to a fall leaf-a similarity that initially seems completely bizarre and esoteric. One, in fact, wonders what Williams purpose is in of a sudden changing the mood of the poem to make this comparison. Upon close inspection, however, the comparison in reality proves to be less confusing than it appears. In fact, when one considers the nature of a fallen leaf and compares it with various aspects of the young housewifes life, possible explanations begin to start that clarify Williams possible intent. Primary to understanding the comparison, is of course, understanding the nature of leaves and more than than particularly fallen leaves. Universally, leaves are considered to play both a available and ornamental role for trees. On the functional level, leaves enable photosynthesis and thereby give nourishment to the tree. On the ornamental level, they enrich the appearance of the tree, giving it more color and substance. In fact, leaves are widely considered to be the evidence of a trees vivacity. La... ... young housewifes sexual nature and beauty is to William and how much emphasis he puts on her captivity in her house, it becomes easier to understand the parallel of her to a fallen leaf. To Williams, the young h ousewife is like a beautiful leaf that postulate to stay connected to its life force in order to confine its beauty and vitality and even continue to nourish the tree. Otherwise it exit inevitably dry up, become colorless and eventually die. Her marriage has confused her from the world and from her life force and will eventually cause her to lose her beauty and pristine nature. It is only a matter of time, in fact, in the lead she becomes one of the leaves that Williams drives over in his car. Works CitedWilliams, William Carlos. The Young Housewife. Anthology of Modern American Poetry. Ed. Cary Nelson. New York Oxford University Press, 2000.