Summary Of An Ancient Gesture

Words: 306
Pages: 2

In the poem “An Ancient Gesture” by Millay, the author uses imagery, symbolism, and diction to display that although all people face hardship, what women cope with are often taken for granted. The speaker and Penelope both “wiped”(1,11) their eyes because of the challenges Penelope confronts during the twenty-year absence of Odysseus and the speaker empathizing with Penelope. In order to clarify this imagery, the word “wiped” means to clean or remove something that is unwanted. The meaning behind “wiped” is more extensive as a desire of wanting to free one’s self from sorrow and tribulations. However, Penelope instead chooses to spend her days “weaving”(3) to the point her “arms get tired”(5) and “neck gets tight”(5) exhibiting immense perseverance.