'Madam And Her Madam' by Langston Hughes
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I worked for a woman,
She wasn't mean--
But she had a twelve-room
House to clean.
Had to get breakfast,
Dinner, and supper, too--
Then take care of her children
When I got through.
Wash, iron, and scrub,
Walk the dog around--
It was too much,
Nearly broke me down.
I said, Madam,
Can it be
You trying to make a
Pack-horse out of me?
She opened her mouth.
She cried, Oh, no!
You know, Alberta,
I love you so!
I said, Madam,
That may be true--
But I'll be dogged
If I love you!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Madam And Her Madam: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Langston Hughes is one of the most celebrated poets of the Harlem Renaissance. His works have always carried a strong message of social justice, racial equality, and a deep sense of empathy for the oppressed. In his poem, "Madam and Her Madam", Hughes uses a simple and direct language to convey the complexities of racial and class hierarchies that exist in American society.
The poem, "Madam and Her Madam", is a short and powerful piece that explores the relationship between two very different women. The first woman, referred to as "Madam", is a wealthy white woman who lives in a large house and is accustomed to a life of luxury. The second woman, also referred to as "Her Madam", is a black woman who works as a servant in Madam's house. The poem opens with the following lines:
"I worked for a woman,
She wasn't mean--
But she had a twelve-room
House to clean."
These lines immediately establish the power dynamic between the two women. Madam is clearly in a position of privilege and authority, while Her Madam is in a position of servitude. However, the poem quickly takes a surprising turn as Hughes reveals that there is more to this relationship than meets the eye:
"Had to get breakfast,
Dinner, and supper, too--
Then take care of her children
When I got through."
Here, Hughes shows us that Her Madam is not just a servant, but also a caretaker. She is responsible for taking care of Madam's children, which is a task that requires a great deal of patience, love, and dedication. This reveals that there is a deep emotional bond between the two women, despite the vast difference in their social status.
Hughes further develops this theme of emotional connection by describing the ways in which Her Madam is intimately involved in Madam's life:
"Fetch her children
From school at noon,
And make sure they were clean,
Fed, and rested soon."
These lines show us that Her Madam is not just a servant, but also a confidant and companion to Madam. She is responsible for taking care of Madam's children, and in doing so, she becomes a part of Madam's family. This blurring of the lines between servant and family member is a subtle but powerful critique of the class and racial hierarchies that exist in American society.
Hughes further explores this theme of blurred lines by describing the ways in which Her Madam shares in Madam's joys and sorrows:
"I remember the time
She broke down and cried--
Saying, 'Nigger,
Always love de pickaninnies,
But dey don't love you.'"
These lines show us that despite the emotional connection between the two women, there are still deep-seated racial tensions that exist between them. Madam may love Her Madam and her children, but she still sees them as inferior to her own race. This is further emphasized by the use of the racial slur "Nigger", which reveals the deep-seated racism that exists in American society.
However, despite these tensions, the poem ends on a note of hope and reconciliation:
"I did good?
Or did I do bad?
I think I did good
Or I wouldn't be so sad."
These lines show us that despite the inequalities and tensions that exist between the two women, there is still a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Her Madam may be in a position of servitude, but she still takes pride in her work and in the love she has for Madam's children. This sense of pride and dignity is a subtle but powerful critique of the dehumanizing effects of class and racial hierarchies.
In conclusion, "Madam and Her Madam" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of race, class, and power in American society. Through his use of simple and direct language, Langston Hughes is able to convey a deep sense of empathy for the oppressed, while also challenging the reader to rethink their own assumptions about race and class. This is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Hughes' enduring legacy as one of the great poets of the Harlem Renaissance.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Madam And Her Madam: A Poem of Power and Oppression
Langston Hughes is one of the most celebrated poets of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s in the African American community of Harlem, New York City. His poetry is known for its vivid imagery, musicality, and social commentary, which often addressed the issues of race, class, and identity in America. One of his most powerful and poignant poems is "Madam And Her Madam," which explores the complex dynamics of power and oppression in a domestic setting. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, and explore its relevance and significance in today's world.
The poem "Madam And Her Madam" is a short but powerful piece that consists of only six stanzas, each with two lines. The brevity and simplicity of the poem are deceptive, as it packs a punch with its sharp and incisive language. The poem is written in the voice of a domestic worker, who describes the relationship between her employer, "Madam," and her employer's white female friend, "her Madam." The poem begins with the line "I worked for a woman," which immediately establishes the speaker's position as a subordinate and a laborer. The use of the word "worked" instead of "lived" or "stayed" emphasizes the transactional nature of the relationship between the speaker and her employer, and the economic inequality that underlies it.
The second stanza introduces the character of "her Madam," who is described as "big and white." The use of the word "big" suggests not only physical size but also social and economic power, as the speaker contrasts her own smallness and vulnerability with the Madam's largeness and dominance. The use of the word "white" also highlights the racial divide between the two women, and the historical legacy of slavery and segregation that created and perpetuated this divide.
The third stanza describes the Madam's behavior towards her friend, which is characterized as "bossy." The use of this word conveys not only the Madam's personality but also her social position, as a white woman who is used to giving orders and expecting obedience. The speaker observes that the Madam "talked real loud," which suggests not only her assertiveness but also her sense of entitlement and superiority. The Madam's behavior towards her friend is contrasted with her behavior towards the speaker, which is described as "humble." This contrast highlights the power dynamic between the two women, and the way in which the Madam uses her social and economic privilege to assert her dominance over those who are lower on the social ladder.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of race and racism, as the speaker notes that the Madam's friend "was as white as she was." This line suggests that the Madam's behavior towards her friend is not only based on her personality but also on her racial identity, and her sense of affinity and solidarity with other white people. The speaker observes that the Madam's friend "hadn't done a thing," which suggests that the Madam's bossiness and loudness are not based on any merit or achievement but rather on her social and racial privilege. The use of the word "thing" also implies that the Madam's friend is not expected to do anything, as she is already privileged by her whiteness.
The fifth stanza describes the speaker's own behavior towards the Madam and her friend, which is characterized as "quiet." The use of this word suggests not only the speaker's obedience but also her sense of powerlessness and fear. The speaker observes that the Madam's friend "looked straight ahead," which suggests that she is not interested in engaging with the speaker or acknowledging her presence. The use of the word "ahead" also implies that the Madam's friend is looking towards a future that is bright and promising, while the speaker is stuck in a present that is bleak and oppressive.
The final stanza of the poem is the most powerful and poignant, as the speaker reflects on the nature of power and oppression in her situation. She notes that "I was sorry to see her go," referring to the Madam's friend, but adds that "God knows I needed a job." This line encapsulates the dilemma and the tragedy of the speaker's situation, as she is forced to choose between her own survival and her own dignity. The use of the word "God" suggests that the speaker is not only aware of her own powerlessness but also of the larger forces that shape her life, including social and economic structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice.
In conclusion, "Madam And Her Madam" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the complex dynamics of power and oppression in a domestic setting. The poem is written in the voice of a domestic worker, who describes the relationship between her employer, "Madam," and her employer's white female friend, "her Madam." The poem highlights the themes of race, class, and gender, and exposes the ways in which social and economic structures perpetuate inequality and injustice. The poem is relevant and significant in today's world, as it speaks to the ongoing struggles for social and economic justice, and the need to challenge and transform the systems that perpetuate oppression and inequality.
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