The Poem A Black Man Talks of Reaping by Arna Bontemps (Essay Sample)

The Poem A Black Man Talks of Reaping by Arna Bontemps

Introduction
The poem a black man Talks of reaping by Arna Bontemps brings out the theme of slavery, which he properly brings out by using a sad mood and metaphors. The poem’s central idea is that while white Americans have worked hard, black Americans have had to stand by and observe. Although racism still exists in America, the poem gives readers hope that it may be defeated. When this poem was written in 1940, racial segregation laws were still in place. Many African-Americans, especially the marginalized ones, were significantly impacted by the strict segregation laws that were in place in the US. Many people are just starting to understand what an African-American man is expressing when he talks about reaping. Early in the 1900s, there existed slavery, which amply demonstrated how poorly African Americans were treated. The poem clearly shows how they were mistreated because of their skin tone. African Americans have made a significant contribution to the growth of our nation. Throughout his writing, Bontemps emphasized the idea that African American achievements had been underappreciated.
Metaphors
Bontemps used metaphor as a literary device in this poem. “Wind or fowl” (line 3) vaguely alluded to the white race who are all around may take profit away from the African American race as the wind is blowing grains away or, like a bird, like a farmer, aims to steal seeds from a farmer. “The grain” (line 3), therefore, represents the benefit received by the speaker as a consequence of their hard work and commitment, comparable to the expression “reaping” (line 7) in this verse. The “seed” (line 6) refers to his efforts to improve African-Americans’ lives via his labor. In the prospect of a bountiful harvest, he sows seeds throughout the nation, hoping they would bear fruit: a better life for African-Americans. The word “orchard” (line 9) in the previous verse has a similar meaning here. His progeny will get “bitter fruits” (line 12) from the seeds he sowed, which alludes to the fruitless results that the next generation would receive due to his tireless efforts. It is the same level of rage he has had his whole life. A plantation of enslaved Black people has likened to the bitterness that the black people experience due to white people’s oppression throughout the poem. In this context, the poet used the metaphor of sowing from the New Testament, including his wish to avoid the traps of too shallow planting (being heard by those with little depth of thinking) and losing “fowls of the air.” Many different meanings may be drawn from this poem depending on how the speaker uses the word “brother .” Christianly, it refers to all males, but he might also be talking about other black men who do not embrace his vision, values, or ethics. However, we all worry that the work we have done will be forgotten as time passes, and we all grieve for the missed possibilities that our offspring may face due to the negligence or avarice of others. When we restrict our perspective and aspirations, we subject ourselves to the most oppressive kind of tyranny possible.