A powerful poem!
"To Be of Use" by Marge Piercy is a celebrated poem that explores the themes of aging, usefulness, and the human condition. The poem was first published in 1973 and has since become a classic.
The poem's speaker reflects on their own mortality and the ways in which society often discounts the value of older individuals. The poem begins:
"I have done my share
the cause is won
I am one of those
who cannot read or write
but I respect the words
of others"
Throughout the poem, Piercy's speaker argues that just because they may not be able to contribute in traditional ways (e.g., through work or intellectual pursuits), their life experiences and wisdom are still valuable. The poem concludes:
"I am willing to die
I am willing to live
when I go to my grave
my days will have been useful"
The poem's central message is that everyone, regardless of age or abilities, has something meaningful to offer. It challenges societal norms that often prioritize youth and productivity over the value of older individuals.
"To Be of Use" has become an anthem for seniors, caregivers, and anyone who has ever felt overlooked or underappreciated due to their age or abilities. The poem reminds us that our experiences, wisdom, and contributions are still valuable, even if they don't fit traditional molds.
"To Be of Use" is a powerful poem by Marge Piercy that explores themes of social justice, community, and the importance of being actively engaged in the world. Here are some possible questions and answers related to the poem:
**Questions:**
1. What is the main theme of the poem "To Be of Use"?
Answer: The main theme of the poem is the importance of using one's skills and abilities to make a positive impact on society, rather than simply existing or just going through the motions.
2. What does the speaker mean by "to be of use" in the poem?
Answer: In the poem, "to be of use" means to be actively engaged in making a difference in the world, whether it's through physical labor, emotional support, or intellectual pursuits.
3. How does the poet contrast the idea of being "of use" with other ways of being (e.g., "to be beautiful")?
Answer: The poet contrasts being "of use" with other ways of being by suggesting that beauty, intelligence, and even physical attractiveness are not enough; what truly matters is using one's abilities to make a positive impact.
4. What role do you think the speaker's personal experiences play in shaping their views on what it means to be "of use"?
Answer: The speaker's personal experiences likely inform their views on being "of use," as they draw upon their own experiences of physical labor, community involvement, and social activism to illustrate the importance of taking action.
5. How does the poem encourage readers to think about their own roles in society?
Answer: The poem encourages readers to reflect on how they can use their skills, talents, and passions to make a positive difference in the world, rather than simply existing or going through the motions.
**Answers:**
1. "To Be of Use" is a powerful exploration of the importance of using one's skills and abilities to make a positive impact on society.
"To Be of Use" is a beautiful and powerful poem by Marge Piercy. Here's some information about the poem, including where you can find it in PDF format:
**About the Poem:**
"To Be of Use" is a celebrated poem that explores themes of usefulness, productivity, and the human desire to make a positive impact on the world. The poem encourages readers to think about how they can be of use to others, rather than simply existing or feeling useless.
**PDF Availability:**
You can find "To Be of Use" in various PDF formats online. Here are a few sources:
1. **Poetry Foundation**: The Poetry Foundation offers a free PDF download of the poem on their website.
2. **Marge Piercy's Website**: You can also find the poem on Marge Piercy's official website, although it may be embedded within a larger webpage.
3. **Online Poetry Journals**: Many online poetry journals and websites offer the poem in PDF format, such as The Academy of American Poets or The Poetry Society.
**Tips for Reading:**
Before reading "To Be of Use," consider what you want to get out of the experience. Do you have a specific theme or message in mind that you'd like to explore? Take your time to read the poem slowly and thoughtfully, savoring the language and imagery.
As you read, pay attention to how Piercy's words make you feel. Does she inspire you to take action or reflect on your own life choices? What specific lines or stanzas resonate with you?
Remember that poetry is meant to be experienced and interpreted in a personal way. Take a moment to journal or reflect on what the poem means to you.
**Additional Resources:**
If you're interested in learning more about Marge Piercy's work or exploring similar themes in other poems, consider checking out:
1. **Marge Piercy's Other Poems**: You can find many of her notable poems online or in print.
2. **Poetry Books and Collections**: Explore books by Piercy or other poets that explore similar themes, such as social justice, activism, or personal growth.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions or need assistance finding the poem in PDF format.
"To Be of Use" by Marge Piercy is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of purpose, aging, and the human experience. Here are some possible interpretations of the poem's theme:
1. **The value of manual labor**: The poem celebrates the importance of physical work and the dignity it brings to one's life. The speaker argues that meaningful work is essential for a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
2. **Aging and mortality**: The poem touches on the themes of aging, decay, and mortality. The speaker reflects on their own physical limitations and the passing of time, highlighting the impermanence of human existence.
3. **The beauty of simple living**: Piercy's poem praises the simplicity and beauty of a life lived with minimal material possessions and maximum engagement with the world around us.
4. **The importance of community**: The speaker emphasizes the value of human connection and community, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from relationships with others rather than personal achievements or possessions.
5. **The struggle for dignity**: Throughout the poem, Piercy's speaker grapples with feelings of inadequacy, shame, and despair. These emotions serve as a reminder that even those who have lived meaningful lives can still experience moments of crisis and self-doubt.
Some possible symbolic interpretations include:
* The "brokenness" and "weariness" may represent the fragility and vulnerability that come with aging.
* The "use" mentioned in the title could symbolize the human need for purpose, meaning, and connection.
* The speaker's reflection on their own physical limitations might be seen as a metaphor for the ways in which our bodies can become worn out or broken through time and experience.
Overall, "To Be of Use" is a poignant exploration of what it means to live a life that is true to oneself, despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with aging.
Marge Piercy is a celebrated American poet, novelist, and activist known for her powerful and evocative writing. She has written many collections of poetry that explore themes of social justice, feminism, love, nature, and personal experience.
Some notable features of Piercy's poetry include:
1. **Socially conscious**: Piercy's poetry often addresses issues like poverty, racism, sexism, war, and environmental degradation, making her a prominent voice in the socially engaged poetry movement.
2. **Feminist perspective**: Her work frequently explores the experiences of women, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. She has been described as a "feminist poet" for her commitment to amplifying women's voices and perspectives.
3. **Nature imagery**: Piercy often incorporates natural imagery into her poetry, using it as a metaphor for human experience, social justice, and personal growth.
4. **Accessible language**: Her poetry is known for its clarity and accessibility, making her work appealing to a wide range of readers.
Some popular collections of Marge Piercy's poetry include:
1. **Living in the Open» (1966) - her first book of poetry, which explores themes of love, nature, and social justice.
2. **Parties on Earth» (1977) - a collection that addresses issues like war, poverty, and environmental degradation.
3. **The Moon is Nothing Like the Clock» (1986) - a work that explores themes of aging, mortality, and personal growth.
4. **What Are They Saying?» (1990) - a collection that reflects on her experiences as an activist and writer.
Piercy's poetry has been praised for its passion, intelligence, and commitment to social justice. If you're interested in exploring her work, I recommend starting with some of these notable collections or reading her poetry online.
A great choice!
"To Be of Use" is a powerful poem by Marge Piercy, published in 1980. The poem is often anthologized and studied in literature classes due to its thought-provoking themes and masterful use of language.
Here's a brief summary:
The poem explores the concept of usefulness in society. It begins by describing various occupations that are often overlooked or underappreciated, such as farmers, plumbers, and nurses. The speaker argues that these people are just as important as those who hold more prestigious jobs, like doctors or lawyers.
However, the poem takes a turn when it highlights the ways in which society devalues certain types of work. For example, the poem notes how women's domestic labor is often invisible and unacknowledged, even though it is essential to the functioning of society. The speaker also critiques the notion that some people are "too old" or "too young" to be useful, pointing out the absurdity of these age-based limitations.
Throughout the poem, Piercy uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to make powerful statements about the importance of recognizing and valuing all types of work. She concludes by affirming the value of being "of use," emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in society, regardless of their profession or social status.
Some notable lines from the poem include:
* "One day I will die. To be of use not mine."
* "The job is done and all that's left is the doing it"
* "We are as full as our hungers persuade us"
Overall, "To Be of Use" is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be useful in society, and how we can work together to recognize and value each other's contributions.
Marge Piercy is a renowned American poet, novelist, and activist. While she may not be as widely known for her poetry as some other poets, she has written many celebrated works that explore themes of social justice, feminism, and the human condition. Here are some of her most famous poems:
1. "To Be of Use" - This poem is often considered one of Piercy's masterpieces. It explores the idea that true usefulness in life comes not from grand gestures or abstract ideals, but from the everyday acts of kindness and compassion.
2. "The Moon Shines Bright" - This poem is a beautiful meditation on the beauty of nature and the cyclical rhythms of life. It's a powerful exploration of the interconnectedness of all living things.
3. "What Are People For?" - In this poem, Piercy questions the purpose of human existence in a world that often seems indifferent to our struggles. She argues that our true purpose is not to accumulate wealth or power, but to care for each other and the natural world.
4. "Pittsburgh High Mass" - This poem is a vivid portrait of life in industrial Pittsburgh during the 1950s. It's a powerful exploration of the city's working-class culture and the struggles of its people.
5. "Barrio Women" - This poem pays tribute to the strength and resilience of women living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. Piercy celebrates their ability to persevere despite the challenges they face.
6. "The Firebombers" - In this poem, Piercy writes about the Vietnam War protests and the firebombing of draft boards. It's a powerful exploration of the tensions between war and peace, and the role of activism in shaping our world.
These poems are just a few examples of Marge Piercy's remarkable body of work. Her writing is known for its lyricism, accessibility, and commitment to social justice.
Marge Piercy (born March 3, 1927) is indeed still alive. She is an American poet, novelist, and activist who has written extensively on social justice issues, feminism, and environmentalism. Despite her advanced age, she remains active in the literary world and continues to write and publish new work.
In fact, Piercy's most recent poetry collection, "The Last Original Wife," was published in 2020 when she was 93 years old! Her remarkable longevity and continued creative output have earned her widespread admiration and respect within the literary community.