I Shall Paint My Nails Red by Carole Satyamurti

Narrative Summary

The poem depicts the personality of the narrator, wherein the process of painting her nails red reflects upon her inner identity as a woman and as a mother.

Technique Quote(s) Intended Effect Context

Repetition “Because a bit of colour…Because I am proud of my hands”

Reveal aspects of her life, such as her survival of life’s difficulties and enjoyment of the roles of motherhood and lover while creating a rhythmic fluency and musicality.

Emphasises the importance of taking a stand against the social pressures of society, and how an individual should be able to make their own key life decisions and choices, such as being able to “paint my nails red”.

First PersonNarrative

“Because I am proud of my hands”

“Because it will remind Me I’m a woman”

To enhance intimacy between storyteller and reader and to permit the reader to be able to access her emotional identity and feelings about her everyday life.

Symbolism “My nails red” To represent the narrator’s passion and fiery nature which are an important part of her identity.

Alliteration “Ten-Minute Moratorium”

“I will look like a survivor” [Simile]

“Because it will remind me I’m a woman”

To create a rhythmic, musical fluency that supports the repeating beat of the poem, and thus suggest the narrator’s life flows.

Hyperbole “Because a bit of colour is a public service”

“Because I will look like a survivor”

To create a playful identity for the narrator and thus engage the reader in an entertaining fashion.

Assonance “Because I can admire them in traffic jams”

“Because I will look like a survivor”

“Dyeing my hair” “Because it will remind

me I’m a woman”

To create rhythmic poetic fluency while emphasising the arguably narcissistic nature of the poem.

Statement / Monologue

“Because a bit of colour is a public service / Because I am proud of my hands”

To boldly assert the narrator’s feminine identity and use the trivial act of painting one’s nails as an entry point into the inner workings of her seemingly contented life.

I Shall Paint My Nails Red

Carole Satyamurti

because a bit of a colour is a public service

because I am proud of my hands.

because it will remind me I'm a woman.

because I will look like a survivor.

because I can admire them in traffic jams

because my daughter will say ugh.

because my lover will be surprised.

because it is quicker than dyeing my hair.

because it is a ten-minute moratorium

because it is reversible.

How does Satyamurti present the idea of individuality in “I shall paint my nails red”. Discuss.