Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Langston Hughes' poem "Question (2)" presents a concise yet profound exploration of love, survival, and economic necessity. Through the voice of a woman addressing a potential lover, Hughes captures the intersection of romantic and material needs in a world where love is often complicated by economic realities.

The poem opens with a direct and challenging inquiry: "Said the lady, Can you do / what my other man can't do— / That is love me, daddy and / feed me, too?" This question, posed by the woman, immediately sets up a contrast between emotional and material fulfillment. The use of the word "daddy" is significant—it evokes a sense of affection or endearment but also suggests a relationship where the man is expected to provide and protect, almost in a paternalistic way. This duality in the term reflects the complex expectations placed on relationships, especially in the context of survival.

The woman's question implies that her current or previous partner has fallen short in one or both aspects: loving her and providing for her material needs. By placing these needs side by side, Hughes highlights the reality that love, while important, is not enough on its own. The inclusion of "feed me, too" underscores the harsh economic conditions that many people, particularly African American women, faced during Hughes' time. Love is desirable, but without the ability to meet basic needs, it becomes insufficient.

The structure of the poem, with its brief, conversational lines, mirrors the directness of the woman's inquiry. The simplicity of the language and the rhythm, particularly in the final line "De-dop!", which mimics the sound of a jazz or blues riff, adds a musical quality to the poem. This musicality reflects the cultural backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, a period when Hughes was writing, where jazz and blues were not just forms of entertainment but also modes of expressing complex emotions and social realities.

The poem's brevity does not diminish its impact; rather, it enhances the starkness of the question being posed. In just a few lines, Hughes encapsulates the tension between love and survival, a theme that resonates deeply within the African American experience of the early 20th century. The woman's question is not just about her personal situation—it echoes the broader struggle for economic stability and emotional fulfillment in a society that often denied both to marginalized communities.

"Question (2)" leaves the reader with an open-ended contemplation of what it means to love and be loved in a world where material needs cannot be ignored. The poem does not offer answers but rather presents the complexity of human relationships when they are intertwined with the necessity of survival. In this way, Hughes continues his exploration of the intersection between personal and social issues, using the voices of everyday people to reveal the deeper struggles that define their lives.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...