Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LOCKED INSIDE by CHARLOTTE PERKINS STETSON GILMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHE BEATS UPON HER BOLTED DOOR
Last Line: "IS LOCKED INSIDE!"
Subject(s): WOMEN'S RIGHTS; FEMINISM;
She beats upon her bolted door,
With faint weak hands;
Drearily walks the narrow floor;
Sullenly sits, blank walls before;
Despairing stands.

Life calls her, Duty, Pleasure, Gain-
Her dreams respond;
But the blank daylights wax and wane,
Dull peace, sharp agony, slow pain-
No hope beyond.




Till she comes a thought! She lifts her head,
The world grows wide!
A voice-as if clear words were said-
"Your door, O long imprisoned,
Is locked inside!"




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