Gwendolyn Bennett's Visionary Poem "Fantasy" and Its Empowering Message for Black Women

As children, many of us had an enchanted world of our own making - a realm of fairy tales, superheroes, and magical creatures that existed only in our imaginations. But for writer Gwendolyn Bennett (1902-1981) during the Harlem Renaissance, her fantasy world was one that showcased the power and strength of African American women, thriving in harmony with nature. In her poem "Fantasy," Bennett paints a picture of a world where Black women are leaders, breaking free from the constraints of a patriarchal society - a dream that seemed far from reality in the pre-Civil Rights America of 1927.

Exploring "Fantasy" at a Glance

Published during the height of Bennett's prolific years as a poet, "Fantasy" was heavily influenced by her family's history of slavery and the oppressive limitations imposed on women by a male-dominated society. This was a time of significant social change, with the Civil Rights Movement still several decades away and women still fighting for their right to vote.

"Fantasy" is a powerful and empowering poem that envisions a world where women, specifically Black women, can thrive and be respected without the constraints of a patriarchal world.

Unpacking the Poem "Fantasy"

The speaker in "Fantasy" is transported to a dreamlike land called "the Land of Night," where the lover or intimate friend of the speaker is the queen. In this mystical world, nature thrives in vibrant colors, mirroring the queen's strength and radiance. The queen is revered by all around her, and even the natural world works in harmony with her, as she reigns from her throne. The speaker admires the queen from afar, singing a song in her honor.

Through vivid imagery, the speaker portrays the queen as one with nature, emphasizing that this is a fantasy realm where the protagonist's idealism can be realized. The repetition of the word "fantasy" throughout the poem further reinforces this idea, highlighting the central conflict between the speaker's dream world and the harsh realities of the real world.

Key Literary Devices in "Fantasy"

"Fantasy" effectively utilizes literary devices such as repetition, allusion, symbolism, and vivid imagery to convey its resonant message.

Repetition in "Fantasy"

The title and the first and last stanzas of the poem all repeat the notion of a fantasy world. The speaker firmly believes that this place is a figment of her imagination, but the idyllic and mystical setting also serves as a reminder of the harsh and cruel reality of her world. The tension between these two worlds is emphasized through the repetition of the word "fantasy."

Allusion in "Fantasy"

Despite never explicitly mentioning the queen as a Black woman, the meticulous use of allusion suggests this interpretation. The speaker describes her as "the dusk-eyed queen" and "the dark-haired queen," highlighting her rich, dark features. Additionally, the presence of African elements such as the peacock and hyacinth further allude to the queen's African heritage.

"Fantasy" is a compelling and empowering poem that portrays the yearning for a world where women and nature are esteemed and appreciated. Through her masterful use of vivid imagery and literary devices, Gwendolyn Bennett effectively conveys the central conflict and a hopeful vision for a better world.

The Regal Symbolism in "Fantasy" by Alice Dunbar-Nelson

In her poem "Fantasy," Alice Dunbar-Nelson utilizes symbolism to depict a powerful Black woman, highlighting the author's celebration and upliftment of Black women and her African heritage. Set in the 1920s, a time when a Black woman in a position of power was more of a fantasy than a white woman ruling as a queen, this symbolism adds depth to the poem's themes.

The Significance of Symbolism in "Fantasy"

The second stanza of "Fantasy" is brimming with potent symbolism, particularly in the use of purple shades to represent the queen's regal status. Purple has long been associated with royalty and power, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Persians. The rarity and labor-intensive process of creating purple dye made it a symbol of wealth and exclusivity. Even Queen Elizabeth I was famed for being protective of the color, limiting its use to the royal family and their closest relatives under the Sumptuary Laws.

The Power of Imagination and Imagery in Gwendolyn Bennett’s "Fantasy"

"Fantasy" by Gwendolyn Bennett is a poem that explores the themes of femininity and nature through vivid and powerful imagery. Through the speaker's fantasy world, the poem challenges societal norms and limitations, portraying a world where women and the natural world are celebrated and revered. Bennett's use of imagery effectively conveys these themes, creating a fantastical and otherworldly atmosphere that highlights the power and agency of both women and nature.

The Significant Role of Imagery in "Fantasy"

In "Fantasy," the use of imagery is crucial in conveying the major themes of femininity and nature. The speaker describes the scene before her in vivid detail, relying on natural elements to create a sense of fantasy and wonder. Even ordinary objects like the moon are presented in a mystical and otherworldly manner, emphasizing the power and influence of the natural world in the poem. Bennett also elevates the animals and plants, portraying them as majestic and purposeful, further emphasizing their significance in the poem.

The Themes of "Fantasy": Power and Respect for Women and Nature

One of the key themes in "Fantasy" is the inherent power of women and the natural world, which is often overlooked and devalued in patriarchal societies. The poem serves as a response to societal norms that have oppressed and marginalized women for centuries. In this fantasy world, women hold positions of power and are able to embrace their femininity without being degraded. The queen in the poem is a loving ruler who is respected for her femininity, rather than in spite of it. Additionally, the relationship between the speaker and the queen is defined by the tenderness and vulnerability of femininity, regardless of their romantic or platonic connection. This highlights the power and strength of femininity, particularly for Black women who have historically faced discrimination and marginalization.

Nature is also portrayed as a revered and respected force in the queen's kingdom in "Fantasy." The poem challenges the traditional belief that humans are superior to nature, and instead presents a world where nature and its elements are held in high regard. This further reinforces the themes of power and respect for both women and the natural world in the poem.

In the poem "Fantasy," the natural world plays a crucial role in highlighting the power and agency of women. Unlike in the real world, where nature is often exploited and devalued, in this fantasy world, it is celebrated and valued as it is, without being used for profit or power.

The overarching message of the poem is that if women were given the opportunity to thrive and succeed in society, both they and nature would flourish. However, femininity is often seen as a weakness and is overshadowed by patriarchal values of aggression and assertiveness. The poem argues that by embracing the power of femininity, society could achieve true harmony and prosperity.

"Fantasy" was written by Gwendolyn Bennett as part of the Harlem Renaissance, which was a cultural and artistic movement in the early 20th century. It is likely that Bennett's own experiences and desires for a more equal and just society influenced the poem's themes of empowerment for women and respect for nature. This poem offers a glimpse into Bennett's perspective and serves as a powerful commentary on the societal limitations faced by marginalized groups.

Key Takeaways from "Fantasy":

• The use of imagery is crucial in conveying the themes of femininity and nature in "Fantasy."
• The poem challenges societal norms and limitations by portraying a world where women and nature are celebrated and revered.
• "Fantasy" was written by Gwendolyn Bennett as part of the Harlem Renaissance in the early 20th century.
• The poem likely reflects Bennett's desire for a society in which women and nature are respected and valued.

About the Poet: Gwendolyn Bennett

Gwendolyn Bennett was a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s and 1930s. She used her writing and art to challenge societal norms and advocate for marginalized groups, particularly women and African Americans. Through "Fantasy," Bennett presents a powerful vision of a world where these groups hold power and are valued, shedding light on her own perspectives and desires for a more equal and just society.