Poem - “The Oral Tradition: Themes & Linking Poems”

“The Oral Tradition” is one of Boland’s poems that delves into the historic oppression of women and aims to give them a voice.
It discusses the silencing of women in Irish history and literature, symbolised through the silenced female characters in the poem, and a critique of patriarchal traditions.
Boland expresses criticism of literary traditions that exclude or marginalise women, with the ‘oral tradition’ serving as a metaphor for the male-dominated literary canon.

Context - “The Oral Tradition: Themes & Linking Poems”

The poem is heavily influenced by Boland’s strong feminist beliefs, and her desire to provide a voice for forgotten female perspectives in history.
The feminist critique of the poem goes hand-in-hand with Boland’s own experience as a woman and a poet struggling for recognition in a male-dominated literary landscape.
As an Irish poet, Boland’s work often pertains to Irish history and lore, and “The Oral Tradition” is no exception, examining the gender-biased narratives in Irish mythology and history.

The primary theme of this poem is the silenced and overlooked voices of women in literary and historical narratives.
Boland also reflects on the theme of reclaiming female narratives from patriarchal tradition, challenging and subverting the typical portrayals of women.
The poem, like many of Boland’s works, explores the intersection of personal and political, using specific details and stories to highlight broader social issues.
The theme of identity and self-perception is also woven into the fabric of the poem, as Boland contemplates her own role and responsibility as a woman and a poet.

The intelligent use of metaphor is evident in the poem, with the ‘oral tradition’ symbolising the broader patriarchal system.
Boland employs clear and direct language to criticise the prevailing sexist traditions, boldly challenging the conventions.
The poem is enriched with strong imagery, evoking the experiences of suppressed women vividly.
Boland uses free verse and uneven line lengths, mirroring the chaotic and disjointed nature of female narratives in traditional storytelling.
The poem perfectly showcases Boland’s signature style of transforming intimate personal experiences into a critique of societal norms and injustices.