Delusion by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of love, disillusionment, and the contrast between perception and reality. The speaker reflects on a relationship where they believed they held something precious—a deep connection symbolized by the act of holding a hand. This gesture is imbued with significance, representing trust and emotional intimacy. However, as the poem unfolds, the speaker realizes that what they cherished was not genuine; instead, it was a façade, likened to a gauntlet, suggesting a protective covering that conceals true feelings or intentions. The initial sense of security and warmth is shattered by the revelation of betrayal or superficiality. The speaker's blindness to the truth highlights the vulnerability inherent in love and the pain of awakening to reality. The imagery of holding a gauntlet implies a struggle, indicating that the relationship may have been more about defense than genuine connection. The emotional journey transitions from idealization to a painful recognition of the truth, encapsulating the complexities of human relationships and the often harsh lessons learned through love. Ultimately, the work serves as a poignant meditation on the nature of affection, the illusions we create, and the inevitable confrontation with reality that can lead to personal growth, albeit through suffering. The stark contrast between the initial perception of love and the subsequent realization of its emptiness underscores the fragility of human emotions and the challenges of authentic connection.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 64 words
First lines
You gave me your hand, I held it to be The last word, the dear word, The soul's entity; I cherished it, treasured it, Only to find I held but a gauntlet --
That I had been blind!
What this Textopian page supports
Delusion is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Lyrical, Symbolism
- Length: 64 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional depth are central to the poem.
- Modernism — The exploration of subjective experience and disillusionment reflects modernist themes.
- Lyrical — The personal expression of emotions and thoughts aligns with lyrical poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Free Verse · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Feminism · Identity · Societal Critique · Emotional Expression · Inner Turmoil · Psychological Insight