Poem: marriage by marianne moore

“ Marriage” Marianne Moore is undoubtedly an interesting feminist lady. In accordance with an article written by David Bergman, her feminism seems to be different from other women in the fact that she does not necessarily seem to promote the idea that the woman can “ have it all. ” She seems to believe that a person needs to focus themselves on one specific thing and not spread themselves too thin. It is better for society for them to be the best wife or mother or the best intellectual career woman, and that having both is unrealistic.

Marianne Moor’s poem “ Marriage” can be read o reflect this view point. In his article “ Marianne Moore and the Problem of ‘ Marriage’,” David Bergman describes Marianne Moor’s position as a feminist and her views on marriage. Bergman clarifies the idea that Moore did not think it was beneficial to society for women to take on too many roles. Bergman mentions a quote from Moore clearly stating, “ Good children are not the product of mothers who prefer money and fame to the well-being of their families” (Bergman, 1).

One can conclude that this implies Moor’s feelings are that the best intention for our society is that if a woman is going o have children she should put everything she has into raising them and give them the proper upbringing that will make them the best person they can become. This statement suggests that the only way a woman can accomplish this is if she sacrifices a career and dedicates her full life to raising a child and providing the proper family life for that child.

Moore: “ marriage is a crusade, there is always tragedy In It; one’s spiritual motive power Is sure to receive a backseat” (Bergman, 248). “ The question that Moore poses is not whether marriage is a good institution (or enterprise); both Adam and Eve agree that it is a very poor one” (Bergman, 250). “ Why would a woman marry when marriage was in Moor’s mind antithetical to her art and freedom” (Bergman, 250). “ Moor’s concern in the memo is not the ethical nature of marriage, but the psychological drive toward marriage” (Bergman, 250). Because marriage is an institution, the world (according to Moore) gives itself blindly to wedlock” (Bergman, 251). “ Even when the world recognizes that matrimony is painful and destructive, it takes pride in it heroic sacrifice” (Bergman, 251). “ That striking grasp of opposites / opposed each to the other, not to unity, unrealistic for a woman can excel in her career and contribute her intelligence effectively to society while properly taking care of a family and raising children that are valuable to society.