Brotherhood
The poem calls for unity and solidarity among individuals, emphasizing the importance of empathy and mutual support in navigating life's challenges. It opens with an invitation to come together as brothers, suggesting that shared experiences can alleviate the burdens of existence. The imagery of a "prison-world" highlights feelings of confinement and struggle, while the notion of being "entwined" by sympathy suggests that connection can provide solace. The speaker urges the collective to make the journey of life less harsh for one another, advocating for kindness and understanding. The repetition of "throbbing heart" symbolizes the shared emotional experiences that bind people together. The call to "lift a chanson" implies that through collaboration and support, individuals can create beauty and joy, even amidst adversity. As the poem progresses, it reinforces the idea that life is a "checkered street," filled with both challenges and triumphs. The emphasis on lifting each other up reflects a deep understanding of the human condition, where individual struggles can be mitigated through communal strength. The work ultimately champions the power of brotherhood and the transformative potential of empathy in overcoming life's difficulties.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Inspirational · 84 words
First lines
Come, brothers all!
Shall we not wend The blind-way of our prison-world By sympathy entwined?
Shall we not make The bleak way for each other's sake Less rugged and unkind?
O let each throbbing heart repeat The faint note of another's beat To lift a chanson for the feet That stumble down life's checkered street.
What this Textopian page supports
Brotherhood is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Inspirational, Literary Fiction
- Length: 84 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Brotherhood by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Brotherhood?
- How does this poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Shall I Say My Son Youre Branded by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- The Snarl by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Guardianship by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Teacher by Langston Hughes
- A Little Child Shall Lead Them by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Drunkards Child by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on rhythm and emotional expression.
- Social Commentary — The themes address collective human experience and empathy, reflecting on societal issues.
- Inspirational — The poem encourages unity and support among individuals, promoting a message of hope and resilience.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction, exploring complex human emotions and relationships.
Tags
African American Literature · Poetry Collection · Social Justice · Racism · Sisterhood · Family Dynamics · Identity · Community · Empowerment · Feminism · Activism · Historical Context