Critical Appreciation of Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks' "What Shall I Give My Children"
The poem "What Shall I Give My Children" by Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks reflects upon the speaker's contemplation of what she can offer her children, who are marginalized and impoverished. The poem revolves into themes of poverty, inequality, and the limitations placed upon the children due to their circumstances.
This is a photograph of the stamp that the United States Postal Service issued in 2012 to commemorate Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks. |
The opening line sets the tone by expressing the speaker's concern for her children's well-being. The children are referred to as "poor" and "leastwise of the land," emphasizing their disadvantaged position in society. The use of the word "lepers" further emphasizes their social exclusion and the stigmatization they face due to being black Americans:
In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on her own capabilities. She acknowledges possessing skill, talent, and creative ideas ("mode, design, device") but lacks the necessary resources and support to bring them to fruition. The reference to a "proper stone" symbolizes a suitable medium or platform for the speaker to express herself fully. Without access to this resource, her ideas remain unfulfilled, and her potential remains untapped:
The final two lines of the poem evoke a sense of desolation and the pervasive nature of the children's struggles. The image of an "autumn freezing everywhere" represents the harsh reality they face, extending beyond a single location or season. It emphasizes the pervasive nature of their poverty and the challenges they encounter:
Overall, "What Shall I Give My Children" explores the desperate desire of a mother to provide a better life for her marginalized black children. The poem highlights the injustices and limitations they face due to their socioeconomic status. It conveys a sense of frustration and helplessness while shedding light on the profound struggles experienced by those living in poverty.
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