Woman with Kite
By Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Meadow of crabgrass, faded dandelions, querulous child‑like voice. She takes from her son’s disgruntled hands the spool of the kite that will not fly.
Pulls on the heavy string; ground grit rough between her thumb and finger. Feels the kite, a translucent purple square, rise in a resistant arc, flapping against the wind. Kicks off her chappals, tucks up her kurta so she can run with it; light flecking off her hair as when she was carefree, up, up.
Past the puff‑cheeked cloud, she follows it, her eyes slit‑smiling at the sun. She has forgotten her tugging children, their “give me, give me” wails. She sprints backwards, sure‑footed, she cannot fall, connected to the air; she is flying, the wind blows through her, takes her red dupatta, mark of marriage. And she laughs like a woman should never laugh.
So the two widows on the park bench stare and huddle their white‑veiled heads to gossip‑whisper. The children have fallen, breathless, in the grass behind. She laughs like wild water, shaking her braids loose, she laughs like a fire, the spool a blur between her hands, the string unraveling all the way to release it into space, her life, into its bright weightless orbit.
Summary of Woman with Kite
- Popularity of “Woman with Kite”: The poem “Woman with Kite” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a widely acclaimed piece that explores themes of female liberation and societal constraints. It resonates with readers due to its evocative imagery and poignant portrayal of a woman reclaiming a moment of joy within the confines of cultural expectations. Its lyrical quality and universal appeal have cemented its place in contemporary poetry.
- “Woman with Kite” as a Representative of Freedom: This poem depicts a woman finding respite from her responsibilities through a simple act: flying a kite. Initially, the kite mirrors her constrained existence—difficult to lift and tethered to the ground. As she runs, letting go of societal expectations and ignoring her children’s pleas, the kite—and she—ascend. This act of running and letting the kite fly represents a reclaiming of self, a temporary escape from the burdens placed upon her. She intentionally ignores the judging eyes of the widows and the pleas of her children, solidifying her commitment to this moment of liberation.
- Major Themes in “Woman with Kite”: Central to the poem are themes of cultural expectations, the yearning for freedom, and the rediscovery of childhood joy. The poem contrasts the limitations imposed on married women within certain societal structures with the universal human desire for self‑expression and happiness. It examines the tension between duty and personal fulfillment, and ultimately celebrates the woman’s defiant act of embracing a moment of pure, uninhibited joy. The kite itself becomes a powerful symbol of this liberation.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Woman with Kite
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, enhances the musicality of the poem. For example, the repetition of the short “i” sound in “to release it into space, her life” creates a sense of fluidity and draws attention to these key words.
- Alliteration: The use of alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, further contributes to the poem’s sonic texture. Notice the repetition of the “w” sound in “wild water”, emphasizing the untamed and unrestrained nature of the woman’s laughter.
- Consonance: Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, adds subtle layers of rhythm and emphasis. Consider the repetition of the “r” sound in “She has forgotten her tugging children, their,” subtly linking the words and creating a flowing effect.
- Enjambment: The poem frequently uses enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues from one line to the next without punctuation. This technique creates a sense of momentum and mimics the woman’s unrestrained movement and thought process. For example: “so the two widows on the park bench
stare and huddle their white‑veiled heads
to gossip‑whisper. The children have fallen,
breathless, in the grass behind.” This unbroken flow mirrors her disregard for societal expectations. - Imagery: Divakaruni masterfully employs imagery to engage the reader’s senses. Phrases like “ground grit rough between her thumb and finger” provide tactile detail, while “light flecking off her hair” creates a vivid visual impression. The imagery of the kite soaring “past the puff‑cheeked cloud” evokes a sense of freedom and boundless possibility.
- Irony: There is a subtle situational irony in the woman’s defiance. She is fulfilling a childlike desire, yet she is an adult bound by societal expectations. This contrast highlights the restrictive nature of her life and the boldness of her temporary escape.
- Simile: The poet uses similes to draw comparisons that illuminate the woman’s emotional state. “She laughs like wild water,” and “She laughs like a fire,” both convey the intensity and untamed nature of her joy. These comparisons emphasize her release from constraint.
- Symbolism: The poem is rich with symbolism. The “dupatta,” a traditional headscarf, represents her marital status and the societal expectations placed upon her. The kite itself symbolizes freedom, liberation, and the reclaiming of a youthful spirit. The unraveling string represents the letting go of these restrictions and the embrace of a boundless existence.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Woman with Kite”
- Free Verse: “Woman with Kite” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows the poet to prioritize natural speech rhythms and emotional impact, mirroring the spontaneity of the woman’s experience.
- Stanza Form: The poem is divided into four stanzas, each contributing to the development of the narrative and thematic exploration. The varying lengths of the stanzas reflect the shifting pace of the woman’s experience, from the initial struggle to the ultimate release.
Quotes to be Used
“She laughs like wild water, shaking
her braids loose, she laughs
like a fire, the spool a blur
between her hands,
the string unraveling all the way
to release it into space, her life,
into its bright weightless orbit.”
This concluding passage encapsulates the central theme of liberation and self‑discovery. The imagery of the unraveling string and the kite’s ascent into “bright weightless orbit” powerfully symbolizes the woman’s release from societal constraints and the embrace of a boundless, joyful existence. It is a potent image to use when discussing themes of freedom, self‑expression, and the reclaiming of one’s own life.