"They Went Home" by Maya Angelou is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that reflects on the shallow and fleeting nature of certain relationships. Through a powerful repetition structure and evocative language, the poem explores themes of perception, appearances, and the disconnect between the speaker's inner self and how others perceive her.
They Went Home by Maya Angelou
They went home and told their wives,
that never once in all their lives,
had they known a girl like me,
But... They went home.
They said my house was licking clean,
no word I spoke was ever mean,
I had an air of mystery,
But... They went home.
My praises were on all men's lips,
they liked my smile, my wit, my hips,
they'd spend one night, or two or three.
But...
Summary
"They Went Home" is a contemplative poem that delves into the contrast between how the speaker is perceived by others and the reality of her experiences. The poem captures the fleeting nature of relationships that are based on surface impressions and appearances.
Critical Analysis
"They Went Home" employs a repeating structure to emphasize the fleeting nature of the relationships described and to underline the discrepancy between external perceptions and internal experiences.
The phrase "They went home" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a rhythm that reinforces the idea of departure and transience. The phrase serves as a refrain that underscores the poem's central theme.
The poem suggests that the speaker is seen as a unique and intriguing individual by those she encounters, as indicated by the lines "never once in all their lives, had they known a girl like me." However, the repetition of "But... They went home" introduces a sense of disappointment and disconnect, implying that despite the initial interest, the connections remain superficial and do not lead to deeper understanding or lasting relationships.
The contrast between external appearances and internal realities is further emphasized through the lines "no word I spoke was ever mean" and "they liked my smile, my wit, my hips." These lines highlight the positive attributes that others see in the speaker, yet the repetition of "But..." suggests that there is more to her than meets the eye.
The abrupt ending of the poem, with the ellipsis following "But...," leaves the final thought hanging and invites readers to reflect on the unspoken conclusions and emotions.
Themes of the Poem
- Perception versus Reality: The poem explores the disconnect between how the speaker is perceived by others and her actual experiences and emotions.
- Fleeting Relationships: The poem addresses the transient nature of relationships that are based on surface impressions rather than genuine understanding.
- Identity and Authenticity: The poem hints at the tension between the speaker's external presentation and her inner self, suggesting that there is more to her than meets the eye.
Stylistic Analysis
- Repetition: The repeated phrase "They went home" serves as a refrain that creates a rhythmic pattern and emphasizes the transient nature of the relationships.
- Contrast: The contrast between the positive attributes attributed to the speaker and the repeated "But..." adds depth to the poem's exploration of perception versus reality.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Disappointment: The repetition of "But... They went home" conveys a sense of disappointment and unfulfilled expectations, highlighting the superficiality of the relationships.
- Reflection: The ellipsis at the end of the poem invites readers to reflect on the unspoken thoughts and emotions that follow.
Language
- Imagery: The imagery of the speaker's house being "licking clean" and having an "air of mystery" adds depth to the portrayal of the speaker's external image.
- Metaphorical Language: The poem uses metaphors to convey the idea of superficial relationships, such as "they'd spend one night, or two or three," which implies short-lived interactions.
Sound Devices
- Rhythm: The repetition of the phrase "They went home" contributes to the rhythmic flow of the poem, creating a sense of movement and departure.