Lesson 28
Promises Like Pie Crust
1. Describe the form and structure of the poem. What is the occasion of the poem? What two reasons does the speaker give for refusing to promise a committed love? What compromises does she suggest at the end?
The author blames love for enslaving individuals toward each other. She repeats the word “liberties” to show how freedom is within those who are uncommitted; unresponsible for one another. “Keep we both our liberties” The title indicates that the author does not want to start something she cannot finish. “Promises Like Pie Crust” refers to an old English proverb. Promises are made to be broken like pie crust. At the end of the poem she compromises with “Let us be the friends we once were.” She declines a man’s hand in marriage, “If I promised I believe I should fret to break the chain.” She does not want to break a promise or enslave herself to anyone.
2. Analyze the effect on meaning of such devices as syntax, repetition, parallelism and paradox.
The author often places opposites together, juxtapose. It shows how her view is different from others. “Promise me no promises, So will I not promise you.” It is a paradox, promising not to promise. She repeats the word promise. It is the focal point of the poem. It shows how unreasonable it is making promises all the time. There are so many that they have no meaning or purpose. This is how the author views marriage, the ultimate promise. It is only a ceremony and law that can be broken. It does not increase or change love, it puts a strangle on the relationship, law and boundary.
3. Analyze the effect on meaning of imagery and figurative language.
“I should fret to break the chain.” A ball and chain is marriage to the author. A trap you put yourself in by agreeing to, promising, to serve your other faithfully forever; forever. Human is to ere. This promise will always be broken, and the author could not put up with the effects of law and marriage. Pre marriage love is warm and sunny, but after marriage it is cold and dark and not worth looking forward to anymore. “Let us hold the die uncast.” Once the mold has been set there is no turning back, no second chance. The author is second guessing love and marriage before it is too late. It is far to complex of a problem to solve. The end does not justify the means. The author is probably a literal thinker, always rolling with the odds.
