Introduction
The oppression of women by various institutions and different associated tragic outcomes are topics that have only recently historically begun to be discussed through poetry. Art has always been a socio-cultural outlet for women to express themselves. How they did this until modern times has mainly involved subtext and subtlety. Mirikitani openly states her intention to commit suicide, but talks about it through similes, and images of the sun and winter, which is paradoxical.
About Simile in “Suicide Note”
A simile is the most common figure of speech that the writer uses in the poem. It is also the most visible artistic device in this work. It was heartbreaking to me when the student compared herself to a sparrow affected by the snowy wind. She writes, “…this sparrow sillied and dizzied by the wind on the edge.” Through this comparison, she hints to her parents and readers about her socio-psychological state. It is a very touching and relevant element in the poem. Many students my age sometimes feel lost, whether happy or depressed.
Poetess’s Voice in “Suicide Note”
As the thesis states, “Suicide Note” is a paradoxical work. The first stanza is her thoughts, which she openly shares with readers. According to Mirikitani, “how many notes written … ink smeared like birdprints in snow.” The second one abruptly and unexpectedly begins with a simile. That kind of directness and avoidance makes me feel this poem very personally. Children almost always want to share their feelings and fears with their parents. However, youth almost always have some inexplicable subconscious fear about it.
The Imagery of “Suicide Note”
The imagery at Mirikitani can be divided into two themes close to the weather. The first one includes images of the sun, sunbeams, and heat. Whereas the second one consists of winter, wind, and snow. Mirikitani shares with the audience, “Choices thin as shaved ice.” The heroine’s life is like winter because she does not feel parental warmth. Her parents partly reject her because she’s a woman and didn’t get perfect grades. That is why the poet associates warmth with masculinity, and cold with femininity.
Conclusion
“Suicide Note” is a poem with a paradoxical tone and narration. The author shares his latest feelings and thoughts both openly and subtly. The reason is the pressure of the family as a social institution. Because of this, the heroine stopped feeling the warmth of life and decided to become one with winter.
Work Cited
Mirikitani, Janice. “Suicide Note.” WordPress.com, Web.