Question

Read the lines below from the poem "DayStar." What do the "diapers steaming on the line" symbolize?

She wanted a little room for thinking: but she saw diapers steaming on the line

all of a mother's responsibilities

dirty laundry

this mother's neglect of her children

a peaceful, quiet place to think outdoors

Answer 1

The answer is: all of a mother's responsibilities.

In the poem "DayStar," by Rita Dove, the woman feels trapped in her role of mother and wife. The line "diapers steaming on the line" refers to the endless repetitive tasks a housewife has to perform. She cannot see an escape to be herself - she can only see diapers to wash and dolls to out away.