The Meaninglessness in Social and Sexual Conformity: Expression in "Be Nobody's Darling" Anonymous College

Traditional gender roles have existed since the dawn of the patriarchy; they remain thoroughly enforced by our media and culture, portraying men as hyper-masculine: somehow tougher and stronger than the delicate woman. These expectations set on both women and men create a large and rather impossible set of standards on how people are supposed to present themselves, express themselves, and love others. Through her poem “Be Nobody’s Darling,” Alice Walker critiques the patriarchy and the culture of conformity that it creates. She also reflects on women’s needs to break out of its misogynistic, conformist culture and embrace femininity, sexuality, and individuality in order to live a meaningful life.

The poem’s form symbolizes the need to break free of existing structures that may interfere with one’s freedom of expression. “Be Nobody’s Darling” is written with no rhyme or meter, and is classified as a free-verse poem, not following any set pattern. The nonexistent structure of the poem symbolizes breaking free from society’s set standards and structures. Without a designated pattern for the poem, Walker expresses her thoughts and individuality with no bounds, which is what she tells readers to do through the actual content of the...