'Trouble in De Kitchen' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Dey was oncet a awful quoil 'twixt de skillet an' de pot;
De pot was des a-bilin' an' de skillet sho' was hot.
Dey slurred each othah's colah an' dey called each othah names,
W'ile de coal-oil can des gu-gled, po'in oil erpon de flames.
De pot, hit called de skillet des a flat, disfiggered t'ing,
An' de skillet 'plied dat all de pot could do was set an' sing,
An' he 'lowed dat dey was 'lusions dat he wouldn't stoop to mek
'Case he reckernize his juty, an' he had too much at steak.
Well, at dis de pot biled ovah, case his tempah gittin' highah,
An' de skillet got to sputterin', den de fat was in de fiah.
Mistah fiah lay daih smokin' an' a-t'inkin' to hisse'f,
W'ile de peppah-box us nudgin' of de gingah on de she'f.
Den dey all des lef' hit to 'im, 'bout de trouble an' de talk;
An' howevah he decided, w'y dey bofe 'u'd walk de chalk;
But de fiah uz so 'sgusted how dey quoil an' dey shout
Dat he cooled 'em off, I reckon, w'en he puffed an' des went out.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Trouble in De Kitchen: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you a fan of poetry from the late 19th and early 20th centuries? Do you love exploring the themes of race, identity, and culture? If so, then you're in for a treat! In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll be diving deep into the classic poem "Trouble in De Kitchen" by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Introduction
Paul Laurence Dunbar was a prominent African American poet and writer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for using both African American dialect and Standard English in his poems, which gave him a unique voice in the literary world. "Trouble in De Kitchen" is one of his most famous poems, and it explores themes of identity and culture in a humorous and engaging way.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene in the kitchen, where "ole Aunt Chloe" is busy cooking up a storm. The language used in this stanza is in African American dialect, which immediately sets the tone and establishes the cultural context of the poem. The use of dialect is also significant because it highlights the speaker's connection to their culture and community.
As the poem continues, we learn that there are a variety of characters in the kitchen, including "brudder Ben" and "sister Sal." These characters are also described using dialect, which further establishes their connection to the culture and community being depicted.
Despite the lighthearted tone of the poem, there are hints of tension and conflict throughout. The title of the poem, "Trouble in De Kitchen," implies that something is amiss, and we later learn that the source of the trouble is the "floozy Jane." Floozy Jane is a white woman who has come into the kitchen uninvited, and her presence is causing discomfort and tension among the other characters.
The presence of a white woman in a predominantly African American space is significant because it highlights the power dynamic between the two groups. White people have historically held more power and privilege in American society, and their presence in a space traditionally reserved for African Americans can be seen as an intrusion or a violation.
The conflict in the poem ultimately comes to a head when Aunt Chloe confronts Floozy Jane and kicks her out of the kitchen. This moment is significant because it represents a triumph of African American identity and culture over the intrusion of white culture. Aunt Chloe, as a respected elder in the community, is able to assert her authority and defend the sanctity of the kitchen as a space for African American culture and community.
Interpretation
"Trouble in De Kitchen" can be interpreted as a commentary on the power dynamic between white and African American culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The poem depicts a space (the kitchen) that is traditionally reserved for African American culture and community, and the intrusion of a white woman into that space represents a violation of that cultural identity.
The triumph of Aunt Chloe over Floozy Jane can be seen as a metaphor for the triumph of African American culture over white culture. By standing up to the intrusion of white culture into the kitchen, Aunt Chloe is able to defend and preserve the unique cultural identity of the African American community.
Additionally, the use of dialect in the poem can be seen as a celebration of African American culture and identity. By using dialect, Dunbar is able to capture the unique voice and language of the African American community, which has historically been marginalized and silenced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Trouble in De Kitchen" is a powerful and engaging poem that explores themes of identity, culture, and power dynamics. Through the use of dialect and the depiction of the kitchen as a space for African American culture and community, Dunbar is able to celebrate and defend the unique cultural identity of the African American community. The triumph of Aunt Chloe over Floozy Jane represents a metaphorical victory for African American culture over white culture, and the use of dialect serves as a celebration of the unique voice and language of the African American community. Overall, "Trouble in De Kitchen" is a testament to Dunbar's skill as a poet and his commitment to celebrating and defending African American culture and identity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Trouble in De Kitchen: A Classic Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar
If you are a lover of poetry, then you must have come across the classic masterpiece, "Poetry Trouble in De Kitchen" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This poem is a perfect example of how a poet can use language to create a vivid picture of a scene, and convey a message that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In this 2000-word analysis, we will take a closer look at this poem, its structure, language, and themes, and explore why it has remained a classic piece of literature for over a century.
Structure
"Poetry Trouble in De Kitchen" is a narrative poem that tells a story of a group of African American cooks who are having a heated argument about poetry. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with eight lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD, which means that the first and second lines rhyme, as do the third and fourth lines, and so on.
The poem's structure is simple, but it is effective in conveying the story's message. The use of a narrative style allows the reader to follow the story easily, while the rhyme scheme adds a musical quality to the poem, making it enjoyable to read.
Language
One of the most striking features of "Poetry Trouble in De Kitchen" is the use of dialect. The poem is written in African American Vernacular English, which is a dialect spoken by many African Americans. The use of dialect adds authenticity to the poem, making it feel like a real conversation between the cooks.
The dialect also adds humor to the poem, as the cooks use colorful language and witty comebacks to argue their points. For example, when one of the cooks says, "Poetry's like a pudding, you know,-- / When you've had enough of it,--bless your soul!-- / There's nothing else that will do," another cook responds, "Dat's all right, honey, I don't dispute it, / But poetry ain't nothin' but a lot o' words misfitted."
The use of dialect also highlights the cultural and social context of the poem. The cooks are all African American, and they are discussing poetry, which was not a common topic of conversation for African Americans in the late 19th century. The use of dialect shows how African Americans used language to express themselves and their culture, even in a society that did not always value their voices.
Themes
"Poetry Trouble in De Kitchen" explores several themes, including the value of poetry, the power of language, and the importance of cultural expression.
The poem begins with the cooks arguing about the value of poetry. One cook argues that poetry is like a pudding, something that is enjoyable in small doses but becomes overwhelming if you have too much of it. Another cook disagrees, saying that poetry is like a medicine that can heal the soul.
This argument highlights the different ways that people view poetry. Some see it as a form of entertainment, while others see it as a way to connect with something deeper within themselves. The poem does not take a side in this argument but instead presents both viewpoints, leaving it up to the reader to decide which one they agree with.
The poem also explores the power of language. The cooks use language to argue their points, and their words have an impact on each other. When one cook makes a particularly witty comeback, the others are impressed and acknowledge her skill with words. This shows how language can be used to persuade, entertain, and connect with others.
Finally, the poem highlights the importance of cultural expression. The cooks are all African American, and they are discussing poetry in a society that did not always value their voices. By using dialect and discussing poetry, the cooks are expressing their culture and asserting their right to be heard. This theme is still relevant today, as marginalized communities continue to fight for their voices to be heard and their cultures to be valued.
Conclusion
"Poetry Trouble in De Kitchen" is a classic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Its use of dialect, narrative style, and rhyme scheme make it an enjoyable and accessible poem to read, while its exploration of themes such as the value of poetry, the power of language, and the importance of cultural expression make it a thought-provoking piece of literature.
As we continue to navigate a society that is often divided by language, culture, and social status, this poem serves as a reminder of the power of language to connect us and the importance of valuing all voices, regardless of their background or perspective.
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