In different cultures, societies, and lives, language and certain words can have many different meanings and connotations. Gwen Harwood uses this language factor to shape the meaning of her poems, including "Home Of Mercy" and "The Lion's Bride." In “Home Of Mercy” (HOM), the use of language evokes religious atmospheres which contrast with the use of antonymic language which creates uncomfortable imagery. Juxtaposed with each other, Harwood allows us to make sense of the poem, in which the text aims to criticize religious views and ideologies around pregnant single mothers and also invites us to reconsider how we perceive single mothers. She says through this text that at this time, a change was needed in the way societies look at single mothers and consider gender dynamics in such situations. In "The Lion's Bride" (TLB), the use of language synonymous with the description of meat and animals allows us to make sense of TLB, in which the poem aims to expose marriage as a facade for a process vicious and a woman's consumption. livelihood and identity. Harwood successfully manipulates the connotations of certain words and language to clearly communicate to all readers, different readings but the same messages and values. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayFirstly, in Harwood's HOM, there is a contrast between the connotations created which allows us to successfully create meaning and message from the poem. In HOM, certain words and language are used which give it a religious connotation and vibe. His use of words and phrases like "neat", "convent", "chapel", "old nun", "burn like incense", "spirit", "prayer" and "angels", taken in them -themselves, are words synonymous with religion. When people think of religion, they also think of holiness, general benevolence, and good will. However, when Harwood also associates these words with language and expressions such as "ruined", "silence", "rough hands", "ripening body", "memories burn", "the rigor of the week", " for their sin” and “the angels will fight them with brutal vigor.” this adds another level of depth to the atmosphere of this poem and allows us to do a more in-depth reading of it. This last set of mentioned phrases evokes images and connotations of general unease and pain. Some of the phrases mentioned even combine "religious" and "painful" imagery to great effect, for example "old silencing nun", "memories burn like incense" and "angels will fight them". The contrast and juxtaposition between the two connotations of the antonymic language and expressions used in the text connect religion to a kind of malevolent will and help us make sense of the text. By taking into account the narrative, the context and combining it with the perceived connotations, we as readers are able to make sense of the poem and read from it that Harwood critiques the way religious institutions perceive mothers singles. More specifically, this means that churches and religious societies in general subject single mothers to pay for their "sins" but fail to empathize with them or consider the role of men in this "sinful behavior." and therefore can also produce sexist and sexist behaviors. religious readings of the text. Overall, these are the connotations..