An Analysis of the Poem Dusting

Category: Poem
Last Updated: 21 Mar 2023
Essay type: Analysis
Pages: 2 Views: 2385

Wiggins “Dusting” Julia Alvarez In the poem “Dusting” written by Julia Alvarez, a young girl tries to leave imprints on the dusty objects in her house in which later are wiped away by her mother. ‘Each morning I wrote my name on the dusty cabinet, then crossed the dining table in script, scrawled in capitals on the back of chairs,  practicing signatures like scales” (1-5) I believe that the author is trying to compare the young girl’s aspirations to her mother’s.

In life, the girl wishes to leave her imprint on the world. Her goals are larger than life itself, and they refuse to break. No matter how often her mother wiped away the smudged fingerprints, they would always reappear. In the poem, the girls shows us how she “refused with every mark  to be like her, anonymous” (17-18). This statement shows us how the girl feels about her mother’s accomplishments.

She believes that her mother achieved as much as anyone else; her mother’s achievements are almost transparent to her - anonymous. She can’t stand the thought of ending up like this, so day after day, she continues to leave her mark. As a child, your aspirations are wild. Many of us wish to accomplish more in our lives than our family members, especially some of our parents. At some point we all wish to be recognized as something bigger - something that no one has witnessed before.

Order custom essay An Analysis of the Poem Dusting with free plagiarism report

feat icon 450+ experts on 30 subjects feat icon Starting from 3 hours delivery
Get Essay Help

We have a need for appreciation. Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to accomplish great things. I’ve hit setbacks in school and at home, but I’ve never let them break me. Even when I was little, whenever I received a good grade on an assignment or test, I would rush home to call my mom and dad to tell them. Seeing that look in their eyes that says “I’m so proud to call you mine. ” Thats what gives a child the will to succeed. The will to never let those small fingerprints across the table disappear.

Related Questions

on An Analysis of the Poem Dusting

What type of poem is dusting by Julia Alvarez?
Dusting by Julia Alvarez is a free verse poem. It does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, but instead relies on imagery and emotion to convey its message.
What are the themes in Julia Alvarez poems?
The themes in Julia Alvarez's poems often revolve around identity, family, and the immigrant experience. She often explores the complexities of being a first-generation immigrant and the struggles of navigating two cultures. Her poems also explore themes of love, loss, and the power of language.
What is the analysis of woman's work by Julia Alvarez?
Woman's Work by Julia Alvarez is a poem that explores the idea of a woman's role in society. It examines the idea of a woman's place in the world and how her work is often overlooked and undervalued. The poem also speaks to the idea of a woman's strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
What is the theme of ironing their clothes by Julia Alvarez?
The theme of Julia Alvarez's poem "Ironing Their Clothes" is the importance of family and the power of shared memories. The poem reflects on the memories of the speaker's mother and grandmother ironing clothes, and how the act of ironing was a way for them to bond and create a sense of family.

Cite this Page

An Analysis of the Poem Dusting. (2017, Mar 18). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/an-analysis-of-the-poem-dusting-by-julia-alvarez/

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

plagiarism ruin image

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

Save time and let our verified experts help you.

Hire writer