Four Poems by Natasha Trethewey

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses issues of race and the struggle for identity, which are at the heart of Trethewey?s four poems. The author points out that, by employing skilfully techniques of imagery, symbolism and metaphor, and by utilizing concrete details, Trethewey is able to communicate effectively the difficulties she experiences as a so-called ?mixed breed". The paper relates that, in ?Flounder?, which is about a fish, the title also means to struggle awkwardly as one moves, again illustrating Trethewey?s struggle with her own identity.

From the Paper:

"For instance, in the poem "White Lies," her play on words is extremely effective, as she lies about being white. These lies, Trethewey tell us, are told "in a black place", which illustrate what her mother has told her about her race. Clearly, Trethewey's mother told her daughter she was black, even though she did not look it. The poet is able to express her confusion over the matter when she can tell others she is white and get away with it--not to mention when others automatically assume she is white, as the classmate does when she holds her hand in an act of unity."

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