Snapshots of a Daughter-in-Law

"Apology" by Adrienne Rich (1963)

Published in the same year as “Snapshots of a Daughter-in-Law,” this poem by Rich appears in the 1963 issue of Poetry, a renowned monthly poetry journal. It is penned in a similar free verse style as “Snapshots of a Daughter-in-Law.” Though a far shorter poem, it also engages with a similar theme of womanhood and the dynamics between women.

"Diving into the Wreck" by Adrienne Rich (1973)

Similar to “Snapshots of a Daughter-in-Law”, “Diving into the Wreck” is the titular poem of the collection to which it belongs. The poem and collection were written during a time of Rich's personal and political turmoil. In addition to the increasing tempo of the feminist and civil rights movements in the United States—both dear to Rich’s heart—her husband died by suicide not long before. “Diving into the Wreck” is at least as exploratory and influenced by personal experience as “Snapshots of a Daughter-in-Law”; however, it is far more intense in emotion and tone, reflecting the turbulence Rich faced at the time of its composition.

"My Life had stood - a Loaded Gun (764)" by Emily Dickinson (1863)

This poem, by Emily Dickinson, is referenced in “Snapshots of a Daughter-in-Law”; Rich imagines Dickinson composing this piece in fragments between her household chores and responsibilities.