Be Nobody’s Darling
By Alice Walker
Be nobody’s darling;
Be an outcast.
Take the contradictions
Of your life
And wrap around
You like a shawl,
To parry stones
To keep you warm.
Watch the people succumb
To madness
With ample cheer;
Let them look askance at you
And you askance reply.
Be an outcast;
Be pleased to walk alone
(Uncool)
Or line the crowded
River beds
With other impetuous
Fools.Make a merry gathering
On the bank
Where thousands perished
For brave hurt words
They said.But be nobody’s darling;
Be an outcast.
Qualified to live
Among your dead.
“Be Nobody’s Darling” is attributed to Alice Walker, who is best known for her novel The Color Purple and her poetry. The poem is said to have first appeared in the early 1970s, a period of heightened civil rights activism and the rise of feminist thought. It is a powerful call for individuality and self-reliance, resonating especially with women and marginalized communities. Rather than simply advocating solitude, the poem encourages a defiant embrace of one’s authentic self, even in the face of societal pressures.
Summary of “Be Nobody’s Darling”
- Popularity and Impact: Though the poem is not widely anthologized, it has become a favorite among readers who value personal freedom and resistance to conformity.
- Representation of Feminism: The speaker rejects the expectation to be “a darling” for others. This is not a rejection of love, but a refusal to define oneself by another’s gaze. Walker urges women to find strength in independence and to embrace their contradictions rather than seeking external validation.
- Major Themes: The poem foregrounds feminine individuality, resistance to social norms, and the importance of self‑reliance. It champions standing apart from the crowd as a form of true strength.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Be Nobody’s Darling”
Anaphora
Anaphora—repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses—appears throughout the poem. The refrain “Be nobody’s darling; / Be an outcast” functions as a command and a call to action, establishing a steady rhythm and underscoring the speaker’s conviction.
Assonance and Consonance
Walker uses assonance (vowel repetition) and consonance (consonant repetition) to create musicality and emotional impact. The repeated “a” sound in “And wrap around” evokes comfort, while the “k” sound in “Let them look askance at you” adds a sharp, defiant edge.
Imagery
The poem is rich in sensory images. Phrases like “wrap around / You like a shawl” create a tactile sense of protection, while “crowded / River beds” suggest both abundance and precariousness. The juxtaposition of a “merry gathering / On the bank / Where thousands perished” highlights the tension between joy and sacrifice.
Simile
Similes such as “like a shawl” clarify and deepen the imagery, illustrating how embracing contradictions can shield one from harsh realities.
Symbolism
The shawl represents self‑reliance; stones symbolize challenges; river beds represent the gathering of unconventional spirits; the bank where thousands perished reminds readers of the sacrifices that precede authenticity.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Be Nobody’s Darling”
Diction
Walker’s diction is precise yet evocative. She blends formal language with colloquial expressions, creating an accessible yet powerful voice.
Free Verse
The poem’s free‑verse structure allows Walker to craft a conversational rhythm that prioritizes content over formal constraints, reinforcing the sense of freedom.
Stanza Structure
The poem is organized into three stanzas. The first establishes the core message of self‑reliance. The second addresses the challenges of living authentically. The third reaffirms the importance of individuality in adversity.
Tone
The tone is assertive, defiant, and unapologetic. The speaker issues commands rather than requests, conveying quiet strength and unwavering conviction.
Quotes to be Used
Below are lines that capture the poem’s spirit and can inspire readers to embrace individuality:
But be nobody’s darling;
Be an outcast.
Qualified to live
Among your dead.
This closing stanza serves as a poignant reminder that true freedom comes from living authentically, even if it means standing apart from the crowd. It calls for embracing one’s individuality and living a life true to oneself, regardless of the consequences.
“Be Nobody’s Darling” is more than a poem; it is a manifesto for self‑reliance and authenticity. Its message continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us that true strength comes from embracing our individuality and living life on our own terms.