Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Sterling Allen Brown was an African American poet and literary critic who lived from 1901 to 1989. "Strong Men" was published in 1936, during a time when racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive in the American South. The poem reflects on the strength and resilience of African American men, despite the obstacles they face.

Content: 

"Strong Men" is a celebration of the strength and resilience of African American men, and their contributions to American society despite the obstacles they face. The poem begins with the speaker describing the strength and power of African American men, celebrating their ability to overcome adversity and persevere in the face of hardship. The speaker then reflects on the role of African American men in American society, and the contributions they have made to the nation's history and culture.

Form: 

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines, and uses a consistent AABB rhyme scheme.The poem's form is characterized by its consistent rhyme scheme and four-line stanzas, which create a sense of structure and order in the poem. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "strong men", helps to emphasize the poem's central theme.

Poetic Elements: 

The poem employs several poetic devices, including metaphor, imagery, and allusion. The comparison of African American men to "tough old roots" and "iron" creates a sense of strength and resilience, while the reference to African American history and culture alludes to the contributions that African American men have made to American society.

Summary:

 "Strong Men" is a powerful and uplifting celebration of the strength and resilience of African American men, and their contributions to American society. The poem's use of vivid imagery and metaphor helps to convey the sense of power and determination that characterizes African American men, while also highlighting their contributions to American history and culture. Overall, the poem is a testament to the enduring spirit of African American men, and their ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Poem Excerpt:

Strong men

Builders of the sudden light,

Reapers of the sunset gold,

Seekers of the world's delight,

Heart-steeled men, bold men,

We are they!

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