Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker's poem "The Crazy Lady Speaking" is a deeply evocative and poignant monologue that gives voice to a character often marginalized or dismissed by society. Through the perspective of this "crazy lady," the poem explores themes of alienation, the passage of time, and the enduring desire for connection and recognition. The speaker's reflections on her life and experiences are imbued with a mix of bitterness, defiance, and a haunting sense of loss, as she seeks to reclaim her identity and assert her humanity in a world that has overlooked her.

The poem begins with the speaker recalling her presence in a subway tunnel, "Rummaging in [her] patent-leather pocketbook / While deep blue lights flew by the subway window." This image sets the stage for a character who is out of place, both physically and socially, as she engages in mundane activities that, in the context of the subway, appear out of sync with the environment around her. The use of the phrase "deep blue lights" suggests a world that is both alien and indifferent, a stark contrast to the personal, almost intimate, act of searching through her pocketbook.

The speaker's self-awareness is evident as she acknowledges the disdain others feel toward her: "You hated my stockings, rolled to the knee." This line captures the way in which her appearance—something as trivial as the way her stockings are worn—becomes a point of judgment, further isolating her from those around her. The poem continues with her recollection of sitting in a cafeteria at 2 a.m., where her "eyes were flat pennies and stared at your plate." This haunting image of "flat pennies" suggests a sense of emptiness, as if her eyes, once bright and full of life, have been dulled by the weight of her experiences. Her presence is described as worse than "India," a reference that may evoke exoticism, strangeness, or discomfort for the person observing her. The fear that she might "urinate on the floor" highlights the extent to which she has been dehumanized and reduced to a figure of revulsion or pity.

The speaker then shifts to another memory, where she is at a baseball game in August, "Yelling behind you, getting spit in your hair." This scene portrays her as loud, unruly, and once again out of place, further reinforcing her status as an outsider. The imagery of the "faded sweater / Missing three buttons" and her "hair dyed pumpkin" adds to the portrait of a woman who is no longer concerned with societal expectations or norms, embracing instead a life on the fringes.

Despite her apparent disconnection from societal norms, the speaker asserts her contentment with what she has: "I have all of the rings and necklaces I need. My apartment smells of cat." These lines reveal a life that, while solitary and unconventional, is self-sufficient and even cherished in its own way. The smell of the cat in her apartment adds a sense of intimacy and companionship, albeit in a solitary existence. Her desire to invite someone into this space—"I want to invite you to it"—suggests a longing for connection, despite the barriers that have been erected between her and others.

The most powerful moment in the poem comes when the speaker reveals her past as a dancer: "You should have seen me dance in La Sylphide, / In Lac des Cygnes. You should have seen / My Cleopatra, my Camille, my Juliet." These references to famous ballets and dramatic roles evoke a time when she was vibrant, graceful, and celebrated—when she embodied the beauty and passion of these iconic characters. The juxtaposition of her past glory with her present state creates a deep sense of loss and nostalgia, as she mourns the life she once had and the recognition she once received.

The final lines of the poem are both tragic and defiant: "From each of their graves I rise, daughter. / Embrace me." Here, the speaker identifies herself with the tragic heroines she once portrayed, rising from their graves to reclaim her identity and demand recognition. The use of the word "daughter" suggests a maternal relationship, possibly addressing a literal daughter or a symbolic one, representing the younger generation or society at large. Her call to "embrace me" is a plea for acknowledgment, love, and acceptance—an appeal for the world to see her not as the "crazy lady" but as a complex, fully realized human being who has lived, loved, and lost.

"The Crazy Lady Speaking" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which society marginalizes and dismisses those who do not conform to its norms. Through the speaker's monologue, Ostriker gives voice to a character who is often silenced, allowing her to reclaim her narrative and assert her dignity. The poem challenges the reader to look beyond appearances and societal judgments, to recognize the humanity and history that lie beneath the surface of those we might otherwise overlook. It is a call to empathy and understanding, urging us to embrace the complexities of those who have been cast aside.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...