A.A.
English 2202
23 July 2002

In the poem, "Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde, a voice is given to a young woman of color who has otherwise been silent.  Through private, uncertain thoughts, the reader is made aware of the speaker's plight to survive adolescence.  The journey through adolescence lends itself to many questions, doubts, and fears.  However, this girl has been given another disadvantage to compound her plight: she must also struggle with discrimination that is associated with her being both African American and female.  (#1)

The speaker begins by stating, "I am fourteen."  By using a teenager's voice for this poem, authenticity is gained.  From the second line on, the reader is bombarded with rapid, seemingly unrelated thoughts.  Each stanza presents one question as to whether she will live to see another day (ll. 8, 15, 32), one larger qualm regarding her color, identity, and sex (ll. 6, 18, 26), as well as thoughts that most individuals would consider typical to a teenage girl (ll. 3, 12, 14, 24, 28).  Each of these questions presents a different perspective on the girl's overwhelming emotions.  (#2)

The chorus-like repetition of "and momma's in the bedroom with the door closed" gives the impression that the speaker feels isolated.  Although the mother is unavailable to her daughter, it is important to note that the door is closed and not locked.  The closed door may represent the girl's inability to communicate with her mother.  (#3)  This provides for a difficult situation, but not one without hope.  The door is not locked and though it could be difficult, the daughter could feasibly open it and restore the lines of communication.  (#4)

Lines 17 and 18 leave the reader wondering, "What is the truth?"  The speaker is unsure of her identity.  This seems to be the theme throughout the poem.  The lines tell the age-old story about a young girl trying to find herself and fit in within the confines of what society has decided that she must be.  But, so it goes for all young girls.  Although this poem is written from the viewpoint of a young African American girl, the message transcends gender, race, or possibly even age group.  (#5)

(352 words)

Prof's Comments:

(#1) Do you think this comes through clearly in the poem?

(#2) Good "classification" of the kinds of thoughts.

(#3) Or vice versa?

(#4) You put the ball in the girl's court -- perhaps it is the mother who should do this?

(#5)  Well done -- very focused!