Theme

 Theme: [theem] a subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

Every piece of literature contains a theme or a central idea in which the reader returns to when reflecting upon the story. This week's chapter describes how " we all want text to mean something...we tend to value depth, complexity and relevance." 

Whether the central idea of a story be death, life, mourning or rejoicing, every text has a main theme. 

In Marge Piercy's poem, " A Work of Artiface", she uses a distinct tone and vivid diction to portray a theme of the oppression of women. 

She compares women to a bonsai tree stating, " The tree could have grown eighty feet tall...but a gardener carefully pruned it." Piercy makes it clear that the tree has been restrained from reaching its full potential. Just as the bonsai tree is being restricted from reaching its full potential, women around the world have been restricted and oppressed in their society. The poem continues, stating that " It is your nature to be small and cozy, domestic and weak; how lucky little tree that you have a pot to grow in." The tone presented is condescending and degrading. Piercy reveals how women are expected to act in a submissive and domestic manner. The text shows that women are expected to feel "lucky" or grateful for men to take care of them since they are unable to adequately function or take care of themselves. Piercy concludes the poem by illustrating four ways women are expected to be viewed : " The bound feet, the crippled brain, the hair in curlers, the hands you love to touch."

In analyzing her use of words and tone, the reader can distinguish that the main theme of the poem is oppression.