Summary

In "Health Class (1953)," the speaker assumes the voice of her grade school health class instructor. The instructor tells her students to sit, be quiet, and behave. She knows even though the girls mock her, she frightens them. Someday they will remember her.

In "A Genre Painting," the speaker describes the images in a still life, including tulips, napkins, rabbits, and a "woman working a knife" (18). The woman regards the viewer while working.

In "Princess Clothing," the speaker describes the ways women are instructed to dress. If they do not oblige, they risk persecution. In one era, fur was an issue (19). In another, feathers. The speaker warns women against uncovering their hair, wearing inappropriate shoes, or donning particular fabrics. In each age, new rules materialize. Women think this will change. The speaker assures them it will not.

In "Cicadas," the speaker announces the return of...