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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

SISTER, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Langston Hughes’ poem "Sister" offers a raw and candid exploration of the complexities of relationships, economic desperation, and societal judgments in the context of African American life. The poem delves into the personal dilemma of the speaker, who grapples with the actions of his sister, Marie, and the societal pressures that shape her decisions.

The poem opens with the speaker expressing his frustration and confusion about Marie's behavior: "That little Negro's married and got a kid. / Why does he keep on foolin' around Marie?" The speaker is clearly troubled by the fact that Marie is involved with a married man, indicating a moral or ethical conflict. The repetition of the question underscores the speaker's frustration and his inability to comprehend why Marie would choose to be involved in such a situation.

Marie is introduced as the speaker’s sister, "not married to me," which might indicate a closeness or a protective relationship. The speaker questions why Marie continues to "fool around" with this man, suggesting a concern for her well-being and a desire for her to find a "decent man." This reflects a conventional desire for Marie to have a respectable relationship, free from the complications and moral ambiguities associated with being involved with a married man.

As the poem progresses, the tone shifts from confusion and concern to a more cynical understanding of Marie's situation. The speaker poses a rhetorical question: "Did it ever occur to you, son, / the reason Marie runs around with trash / is she wants some cash?" This line reveals a stark reality: Marie's choices are influenced by economic necessity. The term "trash" implies a derogatory view of the man Marie is involved with, but it also reflects the societal judgment placed on both Marie and the man. The speaker acknowledges that financial hardship may be driving Marie's actions, and in doing so, he sheds light on the broader social and economic challenges faced by African Americans, particularly women, during this time.

The dialogue between the speaker and the implied listener continues as the speaker addresses the listener’s possible naivety: "Don't decent folks have dough? / Unfortunately usually no!" This exchange highlights the socioeconomic disparity that often forces individuals like Marie into compromising situations. The speaker’s response is blunt and resigned, suggesting that the notion of "decent folks" being financially secure is often a myth, particularly in the context of the Black community.

The poem reaches its climax with a powerful rhetorical question: "Well, anyway, it don't have to be a married man." The speaker’s frustration is evident, but so is a sense of helplessness. The listener, or perhaps the speaker himself, then contemplates whether Marie's situation is a matter of choice or necessity: "Did it ever occur to you, boy, / that a woman does the best she can?" This line shifts the focus from judgment to empathy. The speaker begins to recognize that Marie, like many others, may be doing what she feels is necessary to survive in a world that offers her few options.

The poem concludes with a stark commentary on the shared struggle between men and women: "Comment on Stoop / So does a man." This closing line brings the poem full circle, emphasizing that both men and women are often forced to make difficult choices in the face of economic and social pressures. The phrase "Comment on Stoop" suggests a casual, almost offhand acknowledgment of this reality, as if the speaker is resigned to the fact that this is simply the way things are. The final line, "So does a man," underscores the idea that men, too, are subject to the same forces, and that their actions are similarly driven by necessity rather than pure choice.

"Sister" by Langston Hughes is a poignant reflection on the intersection of personal relationships, economic hardship, and societal expectations. Through the speaker’s evolving perspective, the poem reveals the complexity of judging others’ actions, particularly when those actions are shaped by circumstances beyond their control. Hughes captures the tension between moral judgment and empathy, ultimately suggesting that survival often requires compromises that defy conventional notions of decency and respectability. The poem invites readers to consider the broader social forces at play in shaping individual lives, urging a more compassionate understanding of the difficult choices people must make.


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