Review of The Poem Bangle Sellers

By Krishanali Merchant

The poem Bangle Sellers, by Sarojini Naidu, portrays the different

phases in the life of a woman represented by bangles. I agree that the

poem is a beautiful piece of literature, however I believe it does

relegates women to an inferior position in society. It imposes

stereotypes and societal constructs imposed on women.

Firstly, in the 3rd stanza, it mentions bridal tear. I believe this is

imposing the expectation for women to move to their husband’s

place, and leave her family, which is lowering the social status of

women. At the time of publication, in Indian society, it was normal

for this practice, but as we have reached the 21st century we are

working to make the status of men and women equal, and that is why

I think it is relegating women to an inferior position in society.

This stanza also speaks of brides choosing their wedding bangles,

cementing the idea that a woman's ultimate goal should be to get

married. This reinforces the conventional, often harmful idea that a

woman's worth is tied to her ability to find a husband, rather than

her individual aspirations and achievements.

Throughout this poem, women are depicted as passive and reliant on

men, and shown as not having what it takes to be independent,

lowering their position in society.

Additionally, in the 4th stanza, it highlights how upon marriage a

woman bears a child and cares for it. It portrays that she serves her

household with pride and worships the god at her husband’s side. I

think this is degrading women’s status in society because it implies

that women are not capable of achieving anything other than serving

their husbands and families. It also im

plies that women are not

capable of having a career, pursuing their own interests, or being

independent.

This reinforces the idea that women are second-class citizens who

are expected to be submissive to men and their families, and it

perpetuates the idea that women should not have equal

opportunities or status in society, which in turn is relegating women

to an inferior position in society. Instead, the poem should highlight

how all women of different occupations and lifestyle choices can

enjoy bangles for their phases of life.

Although it does relegate women’s status in society, at that time,

women would normally be homekeepers and housewives, so it was

completely normal to expect that from women in this poem, but as

we enter the modern era we need to reinterpret such pieces.

This poem is undoubtedly a beautifully crafted poem, but it

perpetuates stereotypes and ideals that relegate women to an

inferior position in society. It reduces women to objects of beauty

and tradition, perpetuating the idea that their primary roles are

centered around marriage and external appearances. The modern

world is actively trying to achieve gender equality and

empowerment, and we should challenge such representations in

literature to ensure that women are seen as equals in every aspect of

society.

By Krishanali Merchant