Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

MS. LOT, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Ms. Lot" offers a modern, feminist perspective on the biblical story of Lot's wife, exploring themes of gender, agency, and the complexities of familial relationships. The poem gives voice to one of Lot's daughters, who reflects on the traumatic experiences and moral ambiguities of her family's escape from Sodom and Gomorrah.

The opening lines immediately establish the speaker's sense of frustration and disillusionment: "Well, if he treats me like a young girl still, / That father of mine, and here’s my sister / And we’re still traveling into the hills." These lines reveal the daughter's resentment towards her father, Lot, who continues to infantilize her despite their dire circumstances. The repetition of "still" emphasizes a sense of stagnation and the lack of progression in their situation.

The daughter recalls a disturbing event: "But everyone on the road knows he offered us / To the Strangers when all they wanted was men." This reference to Lot offering his daughters to the mob instead of the male guests highlights the patriarchal values that prioritize male hospitality over the safety and dignity of women. The daughter’s indignation is palpable, underscoring the betrayal she feels from her father's actions.

The imagery of "the cloud of smoke still over the twin cities / And mother a salt lick the animals come to" juxtaposes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with the tragic fate of Lot's wife, who turned into a pillar of salt. The stark image of the mother as a salt lick, an object in the landscape, dehumanizes her further and illustrates the devastating consequences of disobedience to divine commands.

The daughter's rhetorical question, "Who’s going to want me now?" speaks to her sense of worthlessness and abandonment. She feels tainted by her father's actions and the stigma of her mother's fate. This question encapsulates her fear of being undesired and unprotected in a world that has already shown its brutality.

The poem also questions the fairness and communication of divine commands: "Mother did not even know / She was not to turn around and look. / God spoke to Lot, my father. / She was hard of hearing. He knew that." Here, the daughter suggests that Lot did not adequately warn his wife about the consequences of looking back, implying negligence or even malice. This interpretation casts Lot in a morally ambiguous light, challenging the traditional view of his righteousness.

The daughter's disbelief in her father's actions further complicates his character: "I don’t believe he told her, anyway. / What kind of father is that, or husband?" This questioning reveals deep-seated anger and confusion about Lot's role and responsibilities as a protector and moral guide. The repetition of "What kind of father" and "what kind of husband" underscores the daughter's incredulity and disappointment.

The poem concludes with the daughter's recollection of her mother's hopeful yet naïve words: "Mother always used to say: / Some normal man will come along and need you." This statement, laden with irony, highlights the mother's adherence to traditional gender roles and her belief in a conventional future for her daughters. The use of "normal" implies a longing for stability and normalcy that seems unattainable in their current predicament.

Rukeyser's free verse form allows the poem to flow naturally, mirroring the daughter's stream of consciousness and emotional turmoil. The lack of punctuation contributes to the sense of urgency and intensity, as if the daughter is spilling out her thoughts and feelings in a cathartic release.

"Ms. Lot" is a poignant exploration of a biblical story from a feminist perspective, shedding light on the often overlooked voices of women in ancient texts. Rukeyser gives depth and agency to Lot's daughter, allowing her to question and challenge the actions and decisions of her father and the societal norms that have dictated her life. Through this poem, Rukeyser not only critiques patriarchal values but also highlights the enduring struggle for female autonomy and recognition.


Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net