Who should write poetry?
Posted by Kay on May 01, 1998 at 15:38:54:
In response to Did Flora really dislike poetry?, written by Micki on May 01, 1998 at 13:35:57
] I don't think that Flora herself has an aversion to poetry. I think she has an aversion to bad poetry. Elfine's arty-crafty style is sure to be terrible. Also Flora is more worried about Dick Hawk-Monitor's reaction to Elfine's poetry. As a stolid country horse person he is sure to be bored and appalled by poetry of any sort--good or bad.
Re-reading page 137, it seems to me that Flora isn't making a distinction between good poetry or bad poetry.
"most young men are alarmed on hearing that a young woman writes poetry. Combined with an ill-groomed head of hair and an eccentric style of dress, such an admission is almost fatal."
"I shall write it secretly, and publish it when I am fifty," said Elfine, rebelliously.
Flora coldly raised her eyebrows, and decided that she would return to the attack when Elfine had her hair cut and seen her beautiful new dress.
Perhaps only young intellectuals of the Mr. Mybug type would appreciate a woman who wrote poetry. But Flora doesn't like that kind of man either. We actually don't see Flora reading much besides the Fausse-Maigre books. I think the author means for Flora to represent the very "practical" type, who thus has no place for poetry.
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