In the eyes of Adrienne Rich, writer of “Women and Honor: Some Notes on Lying”,
lying is an abstract idea practiced by women to conform to societal norms. Prior
to a prosperous career in English and Literature, Rich graduated from Oxford
University in 1951. She then went on to publish multiple poems and
non-fictional essays, including one of her most renowned pieces; here, she delves
into the “unconscious state” of a woman in the late 20th century in
order to establish a personal definition of lying, and explore the human
condition in relation to truth. A matter Rich frequently uses throughout the
essay is gender roles: specifically challenging how they relate to lying. She
applies the idea of feminism, along with a formal tone, to appeal to an
audience consisting of older woman. Rich goes on about how “honesty in women
has not been considered important” (Rich 412). Society holds a man’s word on a
pedestal, and a women’s moralities on a ledge. Due to this fact, women are
forced to lie with their bodies – wear tight apparel that does not express
their true nature – for example, along with lying with their conscious mind. As
Rich disclosed, the unconscious desires truthfulness, which is why women
attempt to shut out their unconscious in order to achieve the standards of a man.
Along with creating a scene of a mental state of the late 70’s, Rich also uses
rhetorical devices, such as the cliché rhetorical question. She states, “Women
have been forced to lie, for survival, to men. How to unlearn this among other
women?” (Rich 415). Throughout the piece, the purpose seems to shape in to the
fact that human nature possesses both the ability to lie and tell the truth,
but it is society that influences this. Unfortunately, Rich argues about a
concept that is implausible to alter – human nature. Although she has a base,
the repetition and interrogation leaves the reader on a cliff, unable to
clarify the true point to her madness.
"Human Nature : stuck in time?"
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