Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Liberty," Sarah Fyge Egerton boldly challenges the restrictive norms imposed on women in her society. Through a strong and unapologetic voice, Egerton advocates for female independence and freedom from the “Formal Saints” who seek to confine women to narrow roles. The poem critiques societal expectations that limit women’s behavior, intellectual pursuits, and speech, encouraging women to pursue "Liberty" despite societal censure.

Rejection of Social Conformity:

The poem opens with a rejection of social conformity: "Shall I be one, of those obsequious Fools, / That square there lives, by Customs scanty Rules." Egerton dismisses the idea of adhering to the restrictive norms of society, describing those who conform as "obsequious Fools" and critiquing the “puny Curse, / Of Precepts taught, at Boarding-school, or Nurse.” These rules, which are ingrained from an early age, condemn women to a life of "Foolish, dull Trifling, Formality."

Critique of Social Expectations:

Egerton continues by mocking the expected behavior of women, who are "Confin'd to a strict Magick complaisance, / And round a Circle, of nice visits Dance." The metaphor of dancing around a circle conveys the repetitive and meaningless nature of these social rituals. She critiques the societal pressure to conform: "One step awry, he tears my ventrous Fame," with "the Devil Censure" acting as an enforcer of these norms.

Egerton also challenges the arbitrary restrictions placed on women’s time, noting that women must leave social gatherings early if the "commanding Clock, bids me away." The expectation to always follow the clock "with a sudden start, as in a Fright," is portrayed as both ridiculous and oppressive.

Embracing Individuality and Freedom:

Despite these societal expectations, Egerton declares that she will not be "scar'd, from Innocent delight," and will pursue whatever she desires, as long as it is not vicious. She refuses to "bow / Unless it suits with my own Humour too." In rejecting the "Fetters, of Formality," which others may see as "ornamental Bracelets," she describes them as "Gyves, and Manacles" that constrain her individuality.

Egerton advocates for women to break free from these societal norms: "My Sex forbids, I should my Silence break, / I lose my Jest, cause Women must not speak." Here, she criticizes the expectation that women remain silent and not express themselves freely. She also rejects the notion that women should only be interested in "useful Houswifery" and “old Receipts of Cookery,” instead advocating for intellectual pursuits beyond domestic duties.

Defending Intellectual Freedom:

Egerton expresses her desire to write freely, declaring that her "daring Pen, will bolder Sallies make, / And like myself, an uncheck'd freedom take." Her writing will not be "chain'd to the nice Order of my Sex," and she refuses to let societal restraints "perplex" her "wishing Soul."

She distinguishes between sin and shame, arguing that she will "blush at Sin, and not what some call Shame," securing her virtue while dismissing superficial notions of propriety. Her courage in rejecting societal norms speaks to her bravery: "This Courage speaks me, Brave, 'tis surely worse, / To keep those Rules, which privately we Curse."

Conclusion:

The poem concludes with an appeal to the "formal Saints," questioning how they endure such restraints "with reluctance." Egerton’s poem stands as a powerful manifesto advocating for female liberty and intellectual freedom. She critiques the hypocrisy of societal norms that confine women to specific roles and encourages women to break free and embrace their individuality.

Structurally, the poem is written in rhymed couplets, with each line in iambic pentameter. This form lends the poem a rhythmic and flowing quality, emphasizing the clarity and strength of Egerton's argument.

Overall, "The Liberty" by Sarah Fyge Egerton is a compelling critique of societal norms and a call for female independence. The poem challenges the restrictive roles imposed on women and advocates for intellectual freedom and individuality, resonating with the universal human desire for self-expression and authenticity.

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