Brass Spitoons by Langston Hughes
The poem explores the life of a worker, likely a Black man, who is tasked with cleaning spitoons in various American cities. It reflects on the harsh realities of labor, economic struggle, and the pursuit of dignity amidst menial work. The repetitive call to "clean the spitoons" emphasizes the dehumanizing nature of his job, while the mention of different cities suggests a transient lifestyle, indicative of the broader African American experience during the early 20th century. The worker's daily existence is intertwined with financial concerns, as he contemplates the small earnings from his labor—nickels and dimes that contribute to his family's survival. The juxtaposition of mundane tasks with the sacred imagery of church and spirituality highlights a conflict between the sacred and the profane. The worker seeks to find meaning and beauty in his life, symbolized by the polished brass spitoon, which he elevates to an offering for the Lord. The poem captures the struggle for identity and respect in a society that often overlooks the contributions of laborers. The imagery of the spitoon, typically associated with filth, is transformed into a symbol of pride and reverence, suggesting that even the most menial tasks can hold significance. The worker's desire to present a "clean bright spitoon" reflects a yearning for dignity and recognition, despite the societal constraints imposed upon him. Overall, the work serves as a poignant commentary on the intersection of labor, spirituality, and the quest for self-worth in a challenging socio-economic landscape. It encapsulates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of finding beauty and meaning in everyday life.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Realism · 251 words
First lines
Clean the spitoons, boy.
Detroit, Chicago, Atlantic City, Palm Beach.
Clean the spitoons.
The steam in hotel kitchens, And the smoke in hotel lobbies, And the slime in hotel spitoons:
What this Textopian page supports
Brass Spitoons is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Langston Hughes
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Realism, Modernism, African American Literature
- Length: 251 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The themes address social issues such as poverty, labor, and the African American experience.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life and struggles reflects realistic portrayals of society.
- Modernism — The work exhibits modernist characteristics through its focus on individual experience and fragmented structure.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · African American Experience · Racial Tensions · Social Commentary · Urban Life · Jazz Age · 1920s America · Poetic Form · Free Verse · Imagery Rich · Symbolism