Answer:
The theme of freedom and confinement is explored in Natalie Diaz's "A Wildlife Zoo" and Adrienne Rich's "Diving into the Wreck." Both works explore the idea of being confined and restricted while seeking freedom in different ways. Diaz's poem portrays the speaker's confinement within the confines of the zoo and how they long for freedom. In contrast, Rich's poem explores the confinement of societal norms and expectations and the speaker's quest for freedom. The theme of freedom and confinement is universal and can be interpreted in many ways, but both Diaz and Rich offer a unique perspective on it.
Diaz's "A Wildlife Zoo" presents the speaker as a captive animal longing for freedom. The poem is a critique of the inhuman treatment of animals in the zoo and how it relates to the treatment of Native American people. The speaker describes their confinement in the zoo, where they are "caged in a painted desert," as a metaphor for how the government and society have restricted their freedom. Diaz's work highlights the struggle of oppressed groups to regain their freedom and dignity.
Similarly, Rich's "Diving into the Wreck" explores the concept of freedom as the speaker's quest to explore the depths of the ocean, which is symbolic of their desire to explore their identity and individuality outside of societal norms. The speaker's journey into the depths of the ocean represents the process of self-discovery and reclaiming their power. The poem portrays the speaker as a survivor of a shipwreck, searching for a new identity and struggling to break free from societal expectations.
Both Diaz and Rich explore how societal norms and expectations can confine individuals and restrict their freedom. Diaz's work presents a more external manifestation of confinement through the physical barriers of the zoo, while Rich's work delves into the internal struggles and societal expectations that prevent individuals from achieving true freedom. Diaz's poem emphasizes the need for marginalized groups to reclaim their freedom and resist oppression, while Rich's work highlights the importance of individuality and self-discovery in achieving freedom.
Overall, the works of Diaz and Rich offer unique perspectives on the theme of freedom and confinement. They challenge readers to question their own assumptions about freedom and oppression and to recognize the struggles faced by marginalized groups. The works exposed me to different ideas and perspectives, and I learned that freedom and confinement are complex and multifaceted concepts that manifest in different ways. Through these works, I have learned that the intersection of freedom and confinement is a critical theme that affects individuals and societies globally, and understanding its complexities is crucial to creating a more equitable and just world.
Work Cited:
Diaz, Natalie. "A Wildlife Zoo." American Poetry Review, vol. 42, no. 6, 2013, pp. 45-46.
Rich, Adrienne. "Diving into the Wreck." Diving into the Wreck: Poems, W.W. Norton & Company, 2013, pp. 3-9.