Resolution
The poem explores themes of awakening, aspiration, and the struggle against oppression. The speaker reflects on a life constrained by limitations and the weight of ancestral silence. Initially, there is a sense of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges a life devoid of fulfillment and dreams. However, a transformative unrest stirs within, prompting a desire for change and self-actualization. The imagery of "surging, wild unrest" symbolizes a powerful internal awakening, pushing the speaker to confront their dormant ambitions. The act of uprooting "poppies" suggests a rejection of passivity and a determination to rise above past constraints. The speaker's declaration to face the "star-swept blue" signifies hope and the vast possibilities that lie ahead. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a journey from stagnation to empowerment, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's dreams despite historical and personal challenges. The resolve to make dreams come true reflects a universal struggle for agency and fulfillment, resonating with the human experience of seeking purpose and liberation.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Romanticism · 99 words
First lines
With but one life full certified, And that of every gleam denied My portion, Close to the unrelenting sod, E'en as my fathers dumbly trod, I've slumbered; But now a surging, wild unrest Uproots the poppies from my breast, My soul awake, erect! anew!
I stand and face the star-swept blue, And swear to make my dreams come true!
What this Textopian page supports
Resolution 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, Inspirational, Romanticism, African American Literature, Modernism
- Length: 99 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Resolution by Georgia Douglas Johnson
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Inevitably by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Proving by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Interim by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Promise by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Poem by Langston Hughes
- Poem To The Black Beloved by Langston Hughes
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on awakening, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on individual emotion and the beauty of nature aligns with Romantic ideals.
- African American Literature — The author is a prominent figure in African American literary history, reflecting cultural themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · African American · Free Verse · Social Justice · Racism · Suffrage · Feminism · Love · Family · Identity