Summary of I Was My Own Route

Summary of I Was My Own Route

In I Was My Own Route, Julia de Burgos, a radical feminist, rejects the patriarchal ideology dictating women's lives and urges women to carve their own paths. She critiques male-dominated societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and prejudice against women.

In the first stanza, the speaker asserts her defiance against societal expectations and chooses personal freedom over conformity to traditional roles. She mocks these preordained paths and embraces her own route, symbolizing liberation and individuality.

The second stanza highlights the obstacles posed by male-dominated traditions as she embarks on her chosen path. Despite challenges, she overcomes these "old determined feet" and breaks away from oppressive norms that held her back.

The third stanza portrays her struggle to achieve balance and freedom while navigating uncharted territory. She aspires to explore new horizons and embrace a life of joy and autonomy, free from societal constraints.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker reflects on the restrictive environment women face, dominated by the shadows of patriarchy. She experiences the pain of existing in a world with limited hope for women, confined by societal traditions and expectations.

The fifth stanza emphasizes the speaker's transformation. She declares that she was always complete in herself, despite society's attempts to mold her into something else. Finally, in the sixth stanza, she returns to the beginning of her journey, reaffirming her rejection of patriarchal dictates. Though her future remains uncertain, she is determined to overcome challenges and embrace her individuality.

The poem concludes with a moral: men and women are equal members of society, and both deserve freedom, liberation, and independence to chart their own paths.

Themes in I Was My Own Route

This poem centers on women's liberation and personal freedom, rejecting the male ideology that dictates women's lives. De Burgos advocates for women's right to choose their own paths and challenges societal norms that perpetuate inequality. By portraying the speaker's journey of self-discovery and resistance, the poem underscores the importance of equality and independence in a patriarchal society.

Main Summary

A precursor to contemporary Latina/o literature, Julia de Burgos' I Was My Own Route critiques patriarchal ideologies that burden women and urges them to seek their own identities. Written in 1938, the poem reflects de Burgos' life as an oppressed woman in the United States and her fight against gender inequality.

The speaker, of African descent, strives to discover her individuality and dreams of equal opportunities in a society rife with sexism. She rejects societal expectations, refuses to "play hide and seek" with her soul, and resolves to keep moving forward despite barriers. De Burgos' rebellious tone challenges traditional norms and affirms that women have the right to determine their own destinies.

Meaning and Interpretation by Stanza

Stanza I: The speaker rejects male-defined roles, choosing personal freedom and individuality over conformity. She steps away from the game of pleasing societal expectations and boldly embraces "new routes."

Stanza II: The poem reflects the struggle to overcome societal limitations. The speaker recounts the painful process of breaking away from oppressive norms but remains steadfast in her quest for liberation.

Stanza III: The speaker liberates herself from the "trunks" of societal constraints. A sense of freedom emerges, symbolizing her transition to a new balance in life, filled with self-realization and determination.

Stanza IV: The speaker recognizes the deep-rooted boundaries imposed on women by patriarchy. She likens her journey to a budding plant, growing her own roots and striving to overcome societal restrictions.

Stanza V: The speaker celebrates her self-sufficiency and independence. She acknowledges the strength and fulfillment that come from choosing her own path.

Stanza VI: Returning to the beginning, the speaker reflects on her defiance of societal expectations. Though her journey is fraught with difficulty, she embraces her individuality and rejects a life dictated by others.

Conclusion

I Was My Own Route expresses dissatisfaction with societal norms that limit women’s freedoms. De Burgos inspires women to embrace their individuality, recognize their potential, and fight for independence. The poem’s themes remain relevant, as cultural and societal barriers still hinder many women worldwide.

About the Author

Julia de Burgos (1914–1953) was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico. A trailblazer for women's liberation, she worked as a journalist in New York and studied in Cuba. De Burgos was an advocate for social justice and cultural pride, often addressing themes of freedom and equality in her poetry. She served as the art and culture editor for Pueblos Hispanos, a progressive newspaper, and her work predates the Nuyorican poetry movement.