The Gaze

The idea of “the gaze” is a central concept in feminist theory used to describe art that sexualizes and objectifies women to fulfill male desires. This concept has also been used in situations in which white artists depict Black people or people of color in stereotyped or exoticizing ways. This poem demonstrates both the gendered and the racialized gaze. Indeed, the audience “devoured her shape with eager, passionate gaze” (12). Just their “gaze” holds power over her; rather than “look” or “watch,” their eyes consume her for their pleasure. She is also reduced to a “shape,” stripping her of individuality and humanity.

Because the poem is told through the eyes of a spectator, rather than the dancer, the reader is only given glimpses of her appearance. These glimpses focus on her body, her skin, and hair, rather than her face. Moreover, her body is exposed and...