Points of View

There are several points of view in this collection. One of course is the poet's voice herself, which appears frequently throughout. However, the poet also speaks from the point of view of many different characters in the world and in literature. One of the most interesting aspects of Clifton's work regarding points of view comes with the biblical characters' analyses in this collection. At one time, she speaks from her own point of view as an adult looking back at her life as an abused child, a woman who has overcome the abuse and stands there encouraging and healing the child. At another time, she is Lazarus raised from the dead, relating his mixed feelings at being brought back from the world of light. At one time, she is Lot's wife, who looks back in longing at the only home she has had. Next time she...