A Review of Linda Pastan's Poem To a Daughter Leaving Home
Poetry Assignment 4
To a Daughter Leaving Home
Linda Pastan
If a less advanced reader, such as a young child, were to read this poem, they would probably assume that the author was simply describing a child learning how to ride a bike. However, this work goes much deeper than that. Receiving a hint from the title of the poem, one can come to the conclusion that the author is not only talking about a little girl physically leaving her house on a bike, but also leaving her home because she has become full grown. When referring to the word, “home,” one is not only referring to a house, but also a lifestyle. The daughter is leaving her childhood and loved ones behind.
I could most definitely relate this poem to a real life experience. Even though I would “play the role” of the daughter riding the bike, I can still find a connection. Living in a single parent household with my mother, she has definitely been there for me more than any other human being on this earth. In addition, this shall be the last year I shall live at home with her, so we will soon be separated like the daughter and mother in the poem. Even though a somber event is being represented in the poem, the author still has a speaking tone of content throughout the work. This is because like my mother in real life, this mother knows that her daughter would have to eventually leave her, but at the same time, she is happy that her daughter has finally grown into a fullgrown woman.
There is also a use a symbolism in this poem. The author tells of how she holds her mouth open, “in surprise when you (the daughter) pulled ahead down the park…” She is not only surprised that the child is riding a bike with such ease, but also that she has grown up so quickly. When the author writes, “pumping, pumping for your life, screaming with laughter,” she is not only describing how the daughter is excited to ride the bike, but also excited to start her new life as a full grown adult.
To a Daughter Leaving Home
Linda Pastan
If a less advanced reader, such as a young child, were to read this poem, they would probably assume that the author was simply describing a child learning how to ride a bike. However, this work goes much deeper than that. Receiving a hint from the title of the poem, one can come to the conclusion that the author is not only talking about a little girl physically leaving her house on a bike, but also leaving her home because she has become full grown. When referring to the word, “home,” one is not only referring to a house, but also a lifestyle. The daughter is leaving her childhood and loved ones behind.
I could most definitely relate this poem to a real life experience. Even though I would “play the role” of the daughter riding the bike, I can still find a connection. Living in a single parent household with my mother, she has definitely been there for me more than any other human being on this earth. In addition, this shall be the last year I shall live at home with her, so we will soon be separated like the daughter and mother in the poem. Even though a somber event is being represented in the poem, the author still has a speaking tone of content throughout the work. This is because like my mother in real life, this mother knows that her daughter would have to eventually leave her, but at the same time, she is happy that her daughter has finally grown into a fullgrown woman.
There is also a use a symbolism in this poem. The author tells of how she holds her mouth open, “in surprise when you (the daughter) pulled ahead down the park…” She is not only surprised that the child is riding a bike with such ease, but also that she has grown up so quickly. When the author writes, “pumping, pumping for your life, screaming with laughter,” she is not only describing how the daughter is excited to ride the bike, but also excited to start her new life as a full grown adult.