The theme of Elizabeth Jennings's poem 'Having It Both Ways' is the internal conflict between the desire for freedom and the need for security, revealing the complexities of human nature.
The theme of Having It Both Ways by Elizabeth Jennings is the internal conflict and duality of human desires, particularly the struggle to reconcile the longing for freedom with the need for security. The claim that the poem discusses the psychological tension between these desires is substantiated by Jennings’ use of phrases like ‘fast/loose’ and ‘Yes/no’ which symbolize the contradictory impulses within an individual.
The evidence provided through the juxtaposition of such opposing concepts reveals the theme. By analyzing this, we understand that the speaker is grappling with indecision and the complexities of human nature, which are universal struggles. Jennings effectively captures the essence of this conflict, suggesting that this duality is an inherent part of the human experience.