"Warning" by Jenny Joseph: A Review and Analysis

Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning" (published in 1983) is a playful yet profound reflection on aging, the freedom that comes with growing older, and the societal expectations that women, in particular, face. The poem has gained wide recognition and is often quoted for its bold declaration of independence and self-expression in later years.

Summary of the Poem

The poem begins with the speaker issuing a "warning," announcing that when she grows older, she will abandon the norms and expectations that society holds for women, particularly in terms of behavior, appearance, and conformity. The speaker imagines a future where she is liberated from the restraints of societal judgment and can embrace a more unconventional, eccentric, and carefree lifestyle.

The imagery of the poem is filled with the joy of defiance. The speaker envisions herself wearing extravagant clothes (like purple and red hats), eating what she wants, and living without worrying about others' opinions. She rejects the stoic, "appropriate" behavior expected of women, and instead imagines indulging in whims and pleasures, doing things that might be considered inappropriate or whimsical by others. The poem ends on an empowering note, suggesting that this embrace of individuality and freedom is a natural and positive aspect of aging.

Themes and Analysis

1. Defiance and Freedom in Aging
One of the central themes in "Warning" is the sense of freedom that comes with growing older. In youth, women are often constrained by societal expectations—how they should dress, behave, or live their lives. The speaker imagines that with age, these societal pressures will fade, and she will be free to embrace her true self without fear of judgment. The poem is a celebration of rejecting the socially constructed limitations placed on women, particularly around behavior and appearance.

The image of wearing purple, "a red hat which doesn’t go," is a striking representation of this rebellion. It is a metaphor for refusing to conform, choosing instead to embrace joy and eccentricity as an act of self-liberation.

2. The Power of Self-Expression
The poem emphasizes the power of self-expression in the later years of life. The speaker imagines acting freely and embracing what pleases her, from indulging in food to being unapologetically colorful and bold in her attire. This acts as a critique of how women, particularly as they age, are often expected to remain invisible or fade into a more "acceptable" or "age-appropriate" role. Through the speaker's bold predictions, Joseph challenges this expectation, presenting aging as a time for unrestrained joy and unapologetic individuality.

3. Humor and Playfulness
Jenny Joseph uses humor and a sense of playfulness to drive home the message of the poem. The whimsical nature of the speaker's imagined behavior creates a sense of liberation and light-heartedness. The poem’s playful tone creates a contrast with the typically somber or conventional portrayals of aging. Instead of sorrow or nostalgia, Joseph brings forth an image of aging as a time of joy and unburdened self-expression.

4. Women and Aging
The poem also touches on the societal treatment of aging women. Women, especially as they age, are often told to behave in a restrained, composed, and modest manner. Joseph flips this narrative, presenting an aging woman who chooses not to abide by such rigid expectations. By imagining herself as defying the conventions of old age, Joseph pushes back against societal norms that encourage women to diminish their presence as they get older. This is a feminist reclaiming of aging, challenging the stereotype that older women must be dignified, quiet, and unassuming.

5. The Wisdom of Age
The speaker in "Warning" does not express regret about the passing of time. Instead, she portrays aging as a process that comes with wisdom, clarity, and the freedom to express oneself without apology. This is a contrast to the more typical view of aging as something to be feared or mourned. In her vision, growing old brings with it a sense of liberation—a chance to embrace the fullness of one’s identity.

Conclusion

Warning by Jenny Joseph is a humorous, insightful, and empowering poem that challenges the stereotypical expectations of aging, particularly for women. Through the speaker’s whimsical imaginings, Joseph offers a refreshing perspective on growing older—one that embraces freedom, self-expression, and a joyous defiance of societal norms. By celebrating the unburdened life that comes with aging, Joseph invites readers to rethink how they view both themselves and others as they grow older, emphasizing that age is a time not for retreat but for a joyful and colorful reclamation of one's identity.