12. ‘Poem at Thirty-Nine’ by Alice Walker
Bio of the Poet
- Alice Walker (b. 1944): African-American writer and activist, best known for The Color Purple.
- Her poetry often explores identity, memory, family, and womanhood.
- This poem is a tribute to her father.
Detailed Summary
- At 39, the speaker reflects on her late father and how she resembles him.
- She remembers his discipline and his nurturing side.
- She mourns not knowing him better but celebrates the parts of him that live on in her.
- The poem blends regret, gratitude, and admiration.
Main Themes
- Memory and Reflection
- Parental Influence
- Identity and Growth
- Loss and Legacy
Literary Analysis
- Form: Free verse, conversational.
- Tone: Reflective, emotional, warm.
- Language:
- Direct statements: “How I miss my father”—honest, simple.
- Metaphor: cooking, writing as symbolic acts inherited from him.
- Direct statements: “How I miss my father”—honest, simple.
- Structure: Moves between memory and present identity, showing development.
Main Message
- The poem honours the complex bond between a father and daughter.
- It shows how memory and love shape identity, even after loss.
Expected Exam Questions
- How does Walker explore memory and identity in ‘Poem at Thirty-Nine’?
- What is the speaker’s attitude towards her father?
- How is the theme of regret treated in the poem?
- Compare the portrayal of a parent-child relationship in this poem with another you have studied.