Dim Lady

“Dim Lady” treats various feminine characteristics with satirical humor, mocking widely accepted and traditional perceptions of beauty. The speaker of the poem lists her beloved’s attributes in a blazon (see Literary Devices) that mentions her eyes, her mouth, her hair, her skin, and her voice; however, the speaker does not compliment or celebrate them with traditionally romantic tropes. Instead, the speaker uses unflattering metaphors that suggest that these physical attributes are less important than the feelings of love and attraction the speaker feels for her beloved.

Mullen’s use of colloquialisms like “her racks” (Line 3) and “her noggin” (Line 4) to name actual body parts is also interesting because her choices reflect her refusal to beautify the object of her affection. Not only does the poet refuse to make her beloved’s breasts appear more romantically appealing to the reader, she dares to refer to them as “racks” (Line 3), which is a coarse word often bandied about by men who objectify women. By using this term in the context of a love poem, Mullen seizes the power of the slang word and takes the misogynistic sting out of it, replacing it with emotional familiarity and intimate appreciation.