Géibheann le Caitlín Maude

Caitlín Maude

the poet

Suíomh an dáin, an zú

setting of the poem, the zoo

Is dán fáthchiallach é an dán seo

this poem is an allegorical poem

Ar leibhéal amháin is faoi ainmhí sa zú

on one level it's about animals in the zoo

Ar leibhéal eile is foai shaoirse na mban

On another level is the freedom of women

Tá meon-feimní ag an bhfile sa dán

The poet has moods in the poem

Tá an mheadaracht thar a bheith suimiúil, léiríonn sé fuinneamh an leoin sna "teochreasa"

The metric is very interesting, it shows the energy of the lion

Is áit mhínádúrtha é an zú don leon

The zoo is an unnatural place for the lion

Is meafar é an zú don bhean sa teach, teanntaithe ann

The zoo is a metaphor for the woman in the house, trapped there

Déantar faillí ar a cearta, ach ceapann gach éinne gur sásta atá sí agus í foai ghlas ann

Her rights are neglected, but everyone thinks she's happy behind the glass