Alfonsina Storni's work was controversial in literary circles for several reasons. Firstly, her poetry often challenged the traditional gender roles and societal expectations of women in the early 20th century. Storni wrote candidly about themes such as female sexuality, love, and the struggles of womanhood, which defied the conservative norms of her time. This bold expression of female experience and desire was provocative and threatened the patriarchal structures commonly upheld in literature.
Additionally, her exploration of existential themes and personal suffering resonated with many, yet her unconventional approach to poetry—including the use of free verse and modernist influences—was not universally accepted. Some critics viewed her work as too radical or emotionally charged, leading to polarized opinions within literary circles. Storni's defiance of both social and literary conventions established her as a progressive voice, which, while celebrated by some, also drew criticism and controversy from more traditionalist viewpoints.