The poem "A Work of Artifice" by Marge Piercy uses a bonsai tree as a metaphor for the subordination of women. Her tone throughout the poem is clearly displayed from the beginning with its title, "A Work of Artifice." As opposed to the word "art," "artifice" implies some sort of scam or trickery to reach a desired, although dishonest, result. This theme is repeated through the entire poem.
Beginning with an eight line description of the bonsai tree, Piercy makes it clear that this miniature tree has been purposely restrained from reaching its full potential. The tree's limitless potential to grow "eighty feet tall", contrasts with the fact that it has been restricted to a height of "nine inches", by the gardener who prunes it meticulously.
The poem uses the phrases "small and cozy" and "domestic and weak" which are all too commonly used when referring to women. Piercy implies that these are the terms which society uses when viewing women and their abilities. In this manner, women are stripped of any belief in their abilities and must resign themselves to living the life set out for them by the surrounding culture. They are comforted in knowing how lucky they are "to have a pot to grow in". This "pot" most likely refers to the belief that women should, and are indeed obligated to feel fortunate that men have taken it upon themselves to care for women since they are too weak and unfit to function on their own. In addition to the lack of bodily strength commonly associate with the term, "weak" also implies a lack of authority, mental power, and moral strength, all of which have been incorporated into the stereotype of women.
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