The Venus Hottentot

Though neither section has a consistent meter or rhyme scheme, Alexander uses different forms for her two different speakers. Cuvier’s section, the first part of the poem, consists of 13 couplets. These couplets reflect how Cuvier compartmentalizes and categorizes his research.

Alexander uses the form to criticize Cuvier. Visually, his section takes up a large section of the poem. Cuvier’s section is centered in the page. Alexander draws attention to the space the white Cuvier takes up in the Venus Hottentot’s story. The poem begins with his words, describing and defining the Venus Hottentot before she can speak for herself.  

When she has a chance to speak, she includes detailed descriptions of her experiences and emotions. Her section has 12 stanzas of 8 lines. By letting her speak so extensively, Alexander humanizes her. While she is just one of the “[s]mall things” (Line 26) in Cuvier’s world, Alexander uses the poem’s form to reject that claim. 

The slightness of Cuvier’s section becomes more apparent when comparing the number of words and sentences. Over the 26 lines, there are only 10 sentences for a total of 100 words. The first 25 lines are three to five words.