The Crazy Woman by Gwendolyn Brooks is, seemingly, about a woman who goes against the custom of singing in May, a time for happy songs, choosing to sing in November instead. Whether this is because she cannot sing a song of May in tune, or because she wants to go against the grain is open for interpretation. However, upon closer examination, it seems that this is a poem about a rebellious soul; someone who does not want to follow the rules arbitrarily set by society. The fact that she terms those who stare at her odd ways as “little people” is a testament to the fact of her low opinion regarding them.
This is, indeed a beautiful piece of work that relates, in a few lines the experience of a woman who wants to live life on her own terms. I found it to be very refreshing, as we live in a world where people often obey societal rules unquestioningly, to have someone who does not do so gives me hope that there will always be people who will question the status quo of things.
Equality – Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s poem Equality talks about, as is apparent from its title, equality. In this poem, she is trying to make out a case for those who are oppressed, as they call out and profess their desire to be considered equal. This poem can have a twofold meaning. As the poet, Angelou is an African-American woman, not only can this be considered an anthem for a woman decrying the unfairness of the society, but also of an African-American who wants to be considered an equal in society and have the same respect as white Americans.
The poem clearly lays out that while those who are fostering inequality or those who look at others with disdain, whether for being female or for being African-American, seem to ignore the pleas and plight of the weak, however, the oppressed are not going to back down from their demands. Society needs to have equality and that is exactly what the poem is about, a desire for equality and a determination not to give up on the fight for equal rights.
This poem, for me, is reminiscent of the civil rights and women's rights movements. I thought it was written in a beautiful, evocative style. I liked it a lot because it reminds me of the vigor and the vitality behind equal rights movements of all kinds. If we are to live in a society together, we are to afford everyone equal rights.
