'Madam And The Phone Bill' by Langston Hughes
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You say I O.K.ed
LONG DISTANCE?
O.K.ed it when?
My goodness, Central
That was then!
I'm mad and disgusted
With that Negro now.
I don't pay no REVERSED
CHARGES nohow.
You say, I will pay it--
Else you'll take out my phone?
You better let
My phone alone.
I didn't ask him
To telephone me.
Roscoe knows darn well
LONG DISTANCE
Ain't free.
If I ever catch him,
Lawd, have pity!
Calling me up
From Kansas City.
Just to say he loves me!
I knowed that was so.
Why didn't he tell me some'n
I don't know?
For instance, what can
Them other girls do
That Alberta K. Johnson
Can't do--and more, too?
What's that, Central?
You say you don't care
Nothing about my
Private affair?
Well, even less about your
PHONE BILL, does I care!
Un-humm-m! . . . Yes!
You say I gave my O.K.?
Well, that O.K. you may keep--
But I sure ain't gonna pay!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Madam And The Phone Bill: A Deep Dive into Langston Hughes' Prophetic Masterpiece
Langston Hughes' Madam And The Phone Bill is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the African American experience in the early 20th century. It is a prophetic poem that speaks to the injustices that black people faced and continue to face in America. Hughes uses a powerful literary style to convey his message, and his use of symbolism and metaphor are unparalleled. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes of the poem, the literary devices Hughes uses, and the historical and social context of the time.
Themes
The poem explores several themes that are central to the African American experience. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle for economic and social equality. Throughout the poem, we see how Madam is oppressed by the system and is forced to pay exorbitant phone bills that she cannot afford. Madam represents the working-class black woman who is struggling to make ends meet, while the phone company represents the oppressive system that is designed to keep black people in poverty.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the power of language. Hughes uses language to highlight the power dynamics between Madam and the phone company. The phone company uses language to intimidate and control Madam, while Madam uses language to assert her agency and resist the system. Language is also used as a tool of oppression, as the phone company uses legal jargon and technical language to confuse and deceive Madam.
Literary Devices
Hughes uses several literary devices to convey his message in Madam And The Phone Bill. One of the most powerful devices he uses is symbolism. The phone bill represents the larger system of oppression that black people face in America. It is a symbol of the economic and social inequality that is perpetuated by the system. The phone company represents the larger forces of capitalism and white supremacy that are designed to keep black people in poverty.
Metaphor is another powerful device that Hughes uses in the poem. The phone company is described as a "monster" that is "feeding" on Madam. This metaphorical language highlights the predatory nature of the system and the way in which it preys on the vulnerable. The phone bill is also described as a "snake" that is coiled around Madam's neck. This metaphorical language highlights the suffocating nature of the system and the way in which it constricts and stifles its victims.
Hughes also uses irony to great effect in Madam And The Phone Bill. The phone company is described as a "friend" that is offering Madam a service, when in reality it is exploiting her. This irony highlights the way in which the system uses deception to keep black people in poverty.
Historical and Social Context
Madam And The Phone Bill was written in the early 20th century, a time when black people in America were facing widespread discrimination and oppression. The poem reflects the economic and social inequalities that black people faced at the time. The phone company represents the larger forces of capitalism and white supremacy that were designed to keep black people in poverty. The poem also reflects the power dynamics between black people and the larger system, as black people were often unable to assert their agency and resist the system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Madam And The Phone Bill is a powerful and prophetic poem that speaks to the struggles of the African American experience. Hughes uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message, including symbolism, metaphor, and irony. The poem reflects the historical and social context of the time, and highlights the economic and social inequalities that black people faced. Madam And The Phone Bill is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, and is a testament to the enduring power of Langston Hughes' vision.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Madam And The Phone Bill: A Classic Poem by Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is one of the most celebrated poets of the Harlem Renaissance, and his works continue to inspire and move readers today. One of his most famous poems is "Madam And The Phone Bill," a witty and satirical piece that critiques the hypocrisy and materialism of the upper class. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing "Madam," a wealthy and entitled woman who is complaining about her phone bill. She demands to know why it is so high, and the speaker responds with a series of sarcastic and cutting remarks. He suggests that perhaps Madam has been making too many calls to her "sweetie," or that she has been using the phone to gossip and spread rumors. He even suggests that she may have been calling the devil himself, given the exorbitant cost of her bill.
The poem is full of irony and satire, as the speaker exposes the hypocrisy and greed of Madam and her social class. They are quick to demand luxury and comfort, but are unwilling to pay the price for it. They are obsessed with appearances and status, but are blind to the suffering and injustice around them. The speaker's tone is both humorous and scathing, as he exposes the absurdity of Madam's complaints and the shallowness of her values.
One of the most striking literary devices in the poem is the use of dialect and vernacular language. Hughes was known for his ability to capture the rhythms and cadences of African American speech, and he uses this skill to great effect in "Madam And The Phone Bill." The poem is full of colloquialisms and slang, such as "sweetie," "honey," and "ain't." This not only adds to the realism and authenticity of the poem, but also highlights the cultural and linguistic richness of African American communities.
Another important aspect of the poem is its historical context. The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing for African Americans in the early 20th century, but it was also a time of deep racial inequality and discrimination. Many African Americans were excluded from mainstream society and forced to live in poverty and squalor. Hughes was acutely aware of these issues, and his poetry often addressed them directly. "Madam And The Phone Bill" can be seen as a critique of the wealthy and privileged classes who were indifferent to the struggles of their less fortunate neighbors.
In conclusion, "Madam And The Phone Bill" is a powerful and memorable poem that showcases Langston Hughes' skill as a poet and his commitment to social justice. Through its use of satire, dialect, and historical context, the poem exposes the hypocrisy and greed of the upper class and highlights the struggles and resilience of African American communities. It is a testament to the enduring relevance and power of Hughes' poetry, and a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power.
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