ghting for. Finally, Boland uses fire imagery to define the role of women through three key images -- constancy, perpetuation, and deprivation. In line 5, fire is seen as becoming “more greed[y]” which can be interpreted as being stronger, hotter, and larger due to improved methods of burning. While fire has improved from the small pre-historic fires, the role of women has not: “but we’re the same” (8). Similarly, the hearth fire can be seen as a perpetuation of women’s role as the children sit around the hearth and learn the role of women through the example they see -- their mother. Finally, and most importantly, Boland uses fire to convey the deprivation of women caused by their role in society. This conveyance comes through the term “fire-eater” which can be defined as “one who consumes mental and spiritual energies” (Webster’s Dictionary with interpretation). Basically, a “fire-eater” is one who is allowed to expand one’s mind. As Boland explains: we [women] are defined by what we forget, by what we never will be: star-gazers, fire-eaters. (19-23) By this statement, Borland shows the deprivation of women as it reaches far beyond such trivial matters of household duties to the very core of humanity - dreams, goals, and the ability to expand one’s mind. While Boland primarily condemns the patriarchy, she also uses the fire imagery to condemn the collaboration of many women who allow this oppression to occur. This final condemnation of collaborators presents an old woman who has resigned herself to the role society has given her. The “burning plume” (53) symbolizes how society places a blazing token of honor upon her for her acceptance of her role while through her acceptance, she betrays all of womankind. Through her use of poetic form, allusions, and fire imagery, Eavan Boland conveys her complex conception of the “woman’...
