Summary

In a dramatic monologue, the speaker addresses the 17th-century French writer and academic Charles Perrault. The speaker describes her experiences with Perrault’s work; she takes issue with his expectations, primarily his focus on attaining beauty. According to Perrault’s, women should be graceful and elegantly spoken. Intelligence isn’t necessary; Perrault argues that this should be left to their murderous husbands. Women are discouraged from leaving the house of touching forbidden objects; they are awarded less freedom even than cats. The speaker reflects that some things never change. However, the speaker adamantly states that she will dress and act as she chooses.

Analysis

“Dear Charles Perrault” is an epistolary poem, as established in the title. It reads as if the poet is writing a letter to a long-dead writer. The speaker begins by stating her reason for writing: “Your stories make me feel...