A Poem: Domestic Garden

Abstract

This article analyzes Shirley Geok-lin Lim's poem 'Domestic Garden,' exploring its themes of nature, domesticity, and hidden violence. The paper argues that the poem uses the garden as a metaphor for the domestic sphere, revealing the unseen dangers lurking beneath its surface. Through vivid imagery and precise language, Lim examines the interplay between beauty and brutality, human and non-human life. The study investigates the poem's use of arachnids and other creatures to symbolize predatory behavior within the home. Additionally, the article demonstrates how Lim employs natural elements to critique traditional gender roles and power dynamics. This work contributes to discussions on ecofeminism and postcolonial literature by highlighting the interconnectedness of ecological and domestic spaces.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)