Repulse by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of isolation and emotional neglect. The speaker expresses a profound sense of loneliness, highlighting the indifference of others to both their joy and sorrow. In moments of happiness, the speaker seeks to share their joy, but finds no one willing to partake in their elation. This lack of response leads to a feeling of emptiness, as their exuberance goes unacknowledged. Conversely, when the speaker experiences sadness and seeks comfort, they are met with the same indifference. The quest for compassion proves futile, resulting in a retreat into their own heart, which is described as sorely pressed. This cyclical pattern of seeking connection and finding none underscores the speaker's emotional turmoil. The repetition of the phrases "Nobody cares when I am glad" and "Nobody cares when I am sad" emphasizes the speaker's despair and the stark reality of their emotional landscape. The poem captures the essence of unreciprocated feelings and the longing for understanding and empathy from others. Ultimately, it reflects a deep sense of alienation, where the speaker feels invisible and unheard, regardless of their emotional state.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 92 words
First lines
Nobody cares when I am glad, I beat upon their hearts in glee, "Drink, drink joy's brimming cup with me,"
All echoless, my ecstasy --
Nobody cares when I am glad.
Nobody cares when I am sad, Whene'er I seek compassion's breast, I falter wounded from my quest Back! back into my heart, sore prest --
What this Textopian page supports
Repulse 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, Lyric, Romanticism, Modernism, Existentialism
- Length: 92 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Proving by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Footsteps by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Promise by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Resolution by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Heritage by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Curtain by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of individual emotion and introspection align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Modernism — The exploration of personal experience and emotional isolation reflects modernist themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · African American · Free Verse · Social Justice · Racism · Slavery · Emancipation · Freedom · Equality · Suffrage