Rape by Adrienne Rich

The poem “Rape,” by Adrienne Rich maps the journey of a woman who is “…guilty of the crime of having been forced.” (Ln. 14-15) The nameless woman in this poem not only has to endure a physical rape, but also a social and emotional one. She struggles desperately to find her footing in a world that has been forever changed to her. She no longer feels at home in her own body, amongst society, and even within the safety of her own mind. The rape of a woman does not end with the act itself. It is merely the first step of many on a long, lonely and deserted road.

The first attack on this woman’s soul is considered by many to be the worst. Her body has been ravaged and she alone has been left to pick up the pieces. What was formerly a holy temple has been left desecrated and unclean. What was once only hers now belongs to a demon that she is eternally bound to. All that remains is “the maniac’s sperm” and a “mind whirling like crazy.” (Ln. 12-13) She has been crucified by a man whose hands have left an everlasting impression on her mind. The long, endless walk of shame and humiliation has begun, and for her there is no turning back.

The helpless woman is instantly forced to take her new place in society. A place where nothing and no one is familiar. She turns to the person who has sworn to serve and protect her, only to find that his allegiance is to another.

‘There is a cop who is both prowler and father:

he comes from your block, grew up with your brothers,

had certain ideals.

You hardly know him in his boots and silver badge,

on horseback, one hand touching his gun.’ (Ln. 1-5)

Having been stripped of her clothing, the woman is now forced to do the same with her dignity. The time has come “to confess to him.” ( Ln. 13-14)

‘And you see his blue eyes, the blue eyes of all the family

whom you used to know, grow narrow and glisten,

his hand types out the details

and he wants them all.’ (Ln. 16-19)

The police officer is a symbol for how the rest of society now views her; “He knows, or thinks he knows, how much you imagined; he knows, or thinks he