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Rich's "Living In Sin": An Analysis - Research Paper

Rich's "Living In Sin": An Analysis

In Adrienne Rich's poem, "Living in Sin," a woman, entering a life full of
hope and promises with her lover, assumes that "no dust" will fall upon her
home, nor her perfect relationship. Her life, however, does not fit this
ideal. Both a deteriorating home and relationship afflict her life; these
unexpected results of her efforts in addition to the lack of her lover's
efforts lead to resentful feelings. Because of society's expectations, the
woman accepts her unbearable role. Rich reveals the woman's attempts to
improve her physical environment and emotional life, and her ultimate
acceptance of both situations.

The woman's and her lover's responses to living in a run-down home ...

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dusts the tabletop, and sets the coffee on the stove. The portrait of
her miserable life contrasts sharply with that of her lover. While she
struggles with the endless monotony of house chores, he loafs around,
carefree and relaxed. During her monotonous morning routine, the man
flippantly goes "out for cigarettes." Although he too notices the
problems in the house, he satisfies himself with merely complaining.
Rather than taking action and tuning the piano, the man merely "declare[s]
it out of tune, [and] shrug[s]" indifferently. The woman does not even
control her home's furnishings. The food and painting are both results of
the man's whimsical desires. In order to maintain some semblance of order,
she sacrifices her environmental preferences by accepting the situation.

Because the man lacks commitment, the woman takes the burden for both
housecleaning as well as improving the couple's relationship. A
problematic relationship requires much "dusting." She solely ...

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Rich's "Living In Sin": An Analysis. (2005, September 16). Retrieved January 29, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Richs-Living-In-Sin-An-Analysis/33402

"Rich's "Living In Sin": An Analysis." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 16 Sep. 2005. Web. 29 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Richs-Living-In-Sin-An-Analysis/33402>

"Rich's "Living In Sin": An Analysis." Essayworld.com. September 16, 2005. Accessed January 29, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Richs-Living-In-Sin-An-Analysis/33402.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 9/16/2005 11:26:37 PM
Category: Poetry & Poets
Type: Free Paper
Words: 630
Pages: 3

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