This article considers the theme of female conflict within the context of polygynous marriages in the traditional Malay poems Syair Bidasari, Syair Selindung Delima and Syair Yatim Nestapa. The poems' common foregrounding of female concerns, in particular the problems of madu or co-wives engendered by husband sharing, are considered within the context of their popular female reception. A comparison of the poems' treatment of this theme from a female perspective in contrast to other more prevalent male-oriented pieces of literature, poses questions as to the dominant and more latent discourses discernible in the works. It is argued that while the poems do not challenge the male right to polygyny, they do seek to promote an understanding of the difficulties such marriages may entail for women. Situating these poems within their literary and cultural contexts, this article seeks to ascertain whether a gender-sensitive interpretation is warranted in light of historical and anthropological evidence concerning women's experiences in polygynous marriages.
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