The Reward by James Weldon Johnson
The poem reflects the speaker's deep desire for a meaningful legacy. The speaker yearns for recognition not through material wealth or fame, but through the impact of their art—specifically, the ability to touch the hearts of others through song. The speaker expresses a hope that, upon their death, those who come to pay their respects will remember them not with sorrow, but with appreciation for the emotional resonance of their work. This desire for a lasting influence highlights the importance of connection and the power of art to transcend time and evoke shared human experiences. The speaker's aspiration is to be remembered as someone who contributed positively to the lives of others, emphasizing the value of emotional and spiritual fulfillment over conventional success. The poem encapsulates themes of legacy, the significance of artistic expression, and the human longing for connection and remembrance.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational · 51 words
First lines
No greater earthly boon than this I crave, That those who some day gather 'round my grave, In place of tears, may whisper of me then, "He sang a song that reached the hearts of men. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Reward is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational, Philosophical
- Length: 51 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and lyrical quality.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of legacy, memory, and the human experience are explored in a nuanced manner typical of literary fiction.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys a message of hope and the desire for one's life to have a meaningful impact on others.
- Philosophical — The exploration of existential themes regarding life, death, and remembrance reflects philosophical inquiries.
Tags
American Literature · Classic Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Southern Gothic · Literary Fiction · Historical Context · African American Experience · Identity Crisis · Moral Ambiguity