When Sue Wears Red
The poem explores the profound impact of a woman named Susanna Jones when she wears red. The color red symbolizes passion, beauty, and a sense of regal presence. The speaker is captivated by her appearance, likening her beauty to an ancient artifact, suggesting timelessness and depth. The imagery evokes a sense of reverence, as if her beauty commands attention and admiration akin to a queen from a bygone era. The repeated invocation of "Jesus" and the mention of trumpets create a celebratory tone, emphasizing the transformative effect her presence has on the speaker. The juxtaposition of beauty and pain suggests that love can be both uplifting and agonizing. The speaker's feelings are intense, as the sight of Susanna in red ignites a "love-fire" that is both exhilarating and sharp, indicating the complexities of desire and admiration. Overall, the work captures the essence of beauty and its emotional resonance, illustrating how a single moment can evoke deep feelings and memories, intertwining the sacred with the personal. The poem reflects on themes of love, beauty, and the power of color to evoke strong emotional responses.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1950 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, African American Literature · 93 words
First lines
When Susanna Jones wears red Her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown by the ages.
Come with a blast of trumpets, Jesus!
When Susanna Jones wears red A queen from some time-dead Egyptian night Walks once again.
Blow trumpets, Jesus!
What this Textopian page supports
When Sue Wears Red is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1950 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: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, African American Literature, Imagism, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 93 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhythm, imagery, and emotional expression.
- Romanticism — The themes of love and beauty are central, reflecting deep emotional connections.
- African American Literature — The author, Langston Hughes, is a key figure in this genre, exploring cultural identity and experiences.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on visual details align with the principles of Imagism.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · African American · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance