Unholy Women by Chris Abani: Poem and Analysis

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General Introduction

"Unholy Women" by Chris Abani is a thought-provoking poem that explores themes of gender, identity, power dynamics, and the search for meaning. Through a series of complex and vivid images, the poem challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, inviting readers to reconsider the roles society assigns based on gender.

The Poem

Unholy Women by Chris Abani 

But of course these poems are

about men,

which we become by defining how

we are not women

and

so becoming

a shadow devouring the light to find the limits

which is what Richard Pryor would have told Joan of Arc

in a joke funnier for being sexist

"It's a man thang."

And of course there is God

and its problematic relationship to light

not to mention the question

of permission

Who builds the box, the shape?

It makes sense that Jesus, the new man 2,000 years ago

was a carpenter.

You need that craft, the precision of measurement

angles of angels

who incidentally are never women.

Just ask the Romans, who called them Angelo, Angelus

never Angela—

that lie was coined by a dissident nun hiding

her feminism under the cover of rapture

but

is it enough to announce yourself?

To beat your chest in contrition calling

Mea culpa! Mea culpa?

Guilt can never be enough

Mere intent—where is its purpose?

Yet there are no answers

there are only lines that disappear

into horizons that girder us with safety

just as there is no way to end this poem.

Title

The title "Unholy Women" sets the tone for the poem's exploration of gender roles and societal expectations. It suggests a defiance of traditional norms and a questioning of what it means to be "holy" or acceptable in society's eyes.

Themes

1. Gender and Identity: The poem delves into the complexities of gender identity, highlighting the pressure to conform to societal expectations of masculinity and femininity. The line "which we become by defining how we are not women" underscores the idea of gender as a construct that individuals navigate to define themselves.

2. Power Dynamics: There is a theme of power dynamics at play, as seen in the imagery of "a shadow devouring the light to find the limits." This suggests a struggle for power and dominance, perhaps referencing historical or societal power imbalances between men and women.

3. Religion and Authority: The poem touches on the theme of religion and its influence on gender roles. The mention of God and Jesus, particularly Jesus as a carpenter, alludes to religious figures and their roles as authority figures in defining societal norms.

4. Rebellion and Dissent: Through references to Joan of Arc and a "dissident nun hiding her feminism," the poem hints at themes of rebellion and dissent against societal expectations. It questions the idea of obedience and conformity, suggesting that challenging norms is a form of empowerment.

5. Existential Search: The poem ends with a reflection on the uncertainty and endlessness of life's questions, suggesting an existential search for meaning and purpose. The lines "there are only lines that disappear into horizons" convey a sense of endless searching and questioning.

Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphor to convey complex ideas, such as "a shadow devouring the light," which symbolizes the struggle for identity and the search for limits.

2. Allusion: References to Richard Pryor, Joan of Arc, and Jesus serve as allusions that add depth and context to the poem, enriching its themes and imagery.

3. Irony: The line "It's a man thang" employs irony to highlight the absurdity of sexist attitudes and stereotypes.

4. Repetition: The repetition of "Mea culpa! Mea culpa?" emphasizes the theme of guilt and the search for forgiveness or redemption.

5. Imagery: Vivid imagery, such as "angles of angels" and "lines that disappear into horizons," creates a rich visual landscape that enhances the poem's themes and mood.

6. Symbolism: The use of Jesus as a carpenter symbolizes craftsmanship and precision, perhaps suggesting the need for careful construction of one's identity and beliefs.

Language and Mood

The language in "Unholy Women" is evocative and thought-provoking, creating a mood of introspection and questioning. The poem's use of imagery, allusion, and metaphor adds depth to its exploration of complex themes, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of gender, power, and identity.

Context

Written by Chris Abani, a Nigerian-American author known for his exploration of identity, politics, and culture, "Unholy Women" can be seen as part of his broader body of work that challenges conventional narratives and stereotypes. The poem reflects Abani's interest in themes of power, gender, and identity, often through a lens that incorporates his African heritage and global perspective.

Conclusion

"Unholy Women" is a deep and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of gender and identity. Through its vivid imagery, complex themes, and rich language, the poem invites readers to reconsider societal norms and the ways in which we define ourselves and others. It is a powerful exploration of power dynamics, rebellion, and the eternal search for meaning in a world filled with contradictions and uncertainties.