SUMMARY:

The poem "I was my Own Route" by Julia de Burgos explores the struggle of women to break free from societal expectations and patriarchal norms that confine them to predetermined roles. The poet describes her desire to conform to the expectations imposed by men but realizes that she is made of the present moment, refusing to walk backward or conform to outdated ideologies. Despite facing resistance and pressure from the old guard, representing traditional beliefs, she embraces her forward-moving journey. With each step, she distances herself from past constraints, allowing her identity to expand and liberate itself from societal constraints. Ultimately, she finds empowerment in defining her own path and embracing the diversity of experiences and influences that shape her existence.

COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS:

Julia de Burgos, through "I was my Own Route," explores the conflict between societal expectations and individual identity, particularly within the context of women's liberation. The poem serves as a reflection of the poet's personal journey in resisting the pressures to conform to the roles and expectations dictated by men and society.

The poem opens with the poet's acknowledgment of her initial inclination to conform to the ideals set by men. She describes this inclination as an attempt to fit into the mold defined by societal norms—an endeavor that feels like a mere game of hiding her true self. However, the poet realizes her inherent nature—being made of the present moment (nows). She rejects the idea of moving backward and asserts her determination to move forward, disregarding the constraints imposed by traditional ideologies.

Throughout the poem, de Burgos employs powerful imagery to depict the struggle against the "old guard," symbolizing entrenched patriarchal beliefs that attempt to hold her back. Despite the resistance encountered in her forward journey, she steadfastly pursues her own path, causing a separation from familiar yet restrictive horizons.

As the poet continues her journey of self-discovery and liberation, she undergoes a transformative process. She experiences an internal expansion, breaking free from the confines of societal expectations. This transformation leads her to a sense of intimate liberation—a feeling derived from the harmony between her life's journey and the truth found in embracing new paths.

By the poem's conclusion, the poet asserts her autonomy and individuality. She embraces her multifaceted identity, likening herself to a blossom nourished by diverse soils—representing the varied experiences and influences that shape her existence. The homage that was expected to follow societal norms is left waiting as the poet asserts her independence and refusal to conform.

Ultimately, "I was my Own Route" encapsulates Julia de Burgos's advocacy for women's liberation and the assertion of personal identity. It emphasizes the importance of rejecting societal expectations and embracing individuality, paving the way for empowerment and self-discovery.

Answer the following questions. 

a. Why did the speaker try to be the way men wanted her to be? 

●      The speaker tried to be the way men wanted her to be because society expected women to conform to predetermined roles, and she felt pressured to fit those expectations.

b. What do you understand by her feet ‘would not accept walking backwards’? 

●      Her feet "would not accept walking backwards" signifies her refusal to regress or conform to traditional expectations; she was determined to move forward and embrace new paths.

c. Who are the old guards? Why did they grow desperate? 

●      The old guards represent entrenched patriarchal ideologies and societal expectations. They grew desperate as the speaker resisted conforming to their norms, challenging the established order.

d. How did the speaker have ‘a feeling of intimate liberation’?

●      The speaker had a "feeling of intimate liberation" as her gaze separated from familiar horizons, symbolizing her emotional and mental liberation from the constraints of the past. 

e. Why did the speaker’s desire to follow men warp in her?

●      The speaker's desire to follow men warped in her when announced at the "regal parade of the old guard," showing societal pressures to conform affecting her true self and causing internal conflict. 

Answer the following more  questions. 

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 means:

●      She felt compelled to conform to societal expectations imposed by men.

●      This conformity made her feel like she was hiding her true self and seeking to fit into the mold created by others.

●      The pressure to meet these expectations made her feel like she was playing a game, trying to blend in rather than being her authentic self.

b. Why, in your view, was her back ripped by the old guards as she was advancing forward? 

Her back being ripped by the old guards as she advanced forward signifies:

●      Resistance and opposition from traditional beliefs and societal norms.

●      The struggle she faced as she moved away from conforming to established ideas and expectations.

●      The societal structures and ingrained beliefs trying to hold her back from breaking free and forging her own path.

c. What, according to the speaker, did it feel like to be free? 

According to the speaker, being free felt like:

●      Achieving a sense of intimate liberation.

●      Experiencing an expansion of her inner self.

●      Finding a balance between her life and the truth of embracing new paths.

●      Feeling connected to all humanity and breaking away from historical and future boundaries set by men and epochs.

d. Why does the speaker prefer the present to the past?

The speaker prefers the present to the past because:

●      She is made of the "nows," signifying her attachment to the present moment.

●      She refuses to regress and walk backward, symbolizing her determination to move forward and not be bound by past expectations or limitations.

●      The present allows her to embrace her authenticity and explore new paths, free from the constraints of societal norms and historical baggage.

e. 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?

 John Donne's assertion in "No Man is an Island" suggests interconnectivity and dependence among individuals. Burgos might agree with Donne to an extent, acknowledging connections among people. However, she emphasizes individual liberation and self-discovery, suggesting that individuals can break free from societal expectations to find their unique paths.

●      Burgos emphasizes personal liberation and individuality, suggesting that while connections exist, individuals should strive for self-discovery and freedom from imposed norms.

●      Donne's perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness and dependence of individuals on one another, emphasizing the need for mutual support and understanding among people.

Personally, whether one agrees more with Donne or Burgos depends on the emphasis placed on individual autonomy versus interconnectedness within society. Both perspectives hold value in understanding human relationships and the balance between personal freedom and social interconnectedness.