In her poem: “"Oh, oh, you will be sorry", Edna St. Vincent Millay’s assumes a mocking tone toward the clearly patriarchal customs of society. In doing so, she is able to exemplify this common mindset through the actions of the woman throughout the scene. By placing this woman in this position, she is able to adopt a sarcastic voice, as she agrees to be the perfect wife, and to put on her show, despite her obvious disapproval. Through this scenario, and tone, it is possible to view how patriarchy is the driving force behind the poem.
The poem begins with an immediate example of a man patronizing a woman with the statement, “What a big book for such a little head!” Such a statement clearly invokes a sense of belittlement towards his wife. The
The poem begins with an immediate example of a man patronizing a woman with the statement, “What a big book for such a little head!” Such a statement clearly invokes a sense of belittlement towards his wife. The