Formalist Approach to Broumas's Little Red Riding Hood At first glance, one might think that this particular work by Broumas would be a suitable substitute for Winnie the Pooh while rocking children to sleep. However, upon closer inspection, you would probably think "Oh my God" and thank the heavens above for not scaring your children for the rest of their lives. Although not suitable for young children, this piece lends itself to quite intense interpretation based on the word choice, repetition and allusions presented. As the reader begins to analyze the deeper meaning of the poem, a universal voice for women is heard behind the echoes of pain. The first sentence reveals little but sets the stage for much to come. The simple phrase leaves no limits of place or time. This allows the reader to fill in the gaps with their own experiences. From the beginning, repetition plays an important role. Faint echoes of pain are heard when the words “old” are repeated, hinting to the reader that there may be an emotional dimension to this. The second sentence, although graphic and detailed, presents a reason for the pain. The experience of childbirth, as bloody and painful as it may be, is a unique bonding process that unites mother and daughter for life. It's the one thing they'll always have in common, no matter what. However, the girl has no child to share this same experience with. Even though the process is painful, the whole ordeal seems to be envied because of the connection that doesn't exist. An equation for pain is being revealed and anything that happens after that point should add to it....... middle of paper ...... his laughter didn't understand the true meaning of what his mother had tried to convey. Keeping her own womanhood secure, she made herself sterile, unable to have her own daughter, not because of infertility but because of fear. Sentences ten and eleven reveal the sad state of confusion the girl finds herself in. She doesn't understand what happened and doesn't see a way out of her grandmother's house. Thanks to the masterful use of words and allusions, Olga Broumas was able to distort the message. The story of Little Red Riding Hood in one of her own sufferings. By using her chosen words, she was able to create a piece of literature that so many people could relate to. Using the formalist approach, the deeper meanings of this poem are highlighted, analyzed and understood, bringing a greater appreciation of the author and his works..