Workin' Man by Langston Hughes
The poem presents the struggles of a laborer who toils all day with physical labor, only to return home to a bleak and unwelcoming environment. The speaker expresses frustration over his living conditions, which he describes as a "hovel," indicating poverty and lack of comfort. Upon arriving home, he finds his partner absent, engaging in activities that suggest infidelity or unfaithfulness. Despite his efforts to treat her well and provide for her, he feels unappreciated and deprived of affection, highlighting a sense of betrayal and emotional neglect. The speaker's identity as a "hard workin' man" emphasizes his dedication and the sacrifices he makes, yet he feels that his hard work yields little reward, both materially and emotionally. The repetition of his struggles underscores a broader commentary on the plight of working-class individuals, who often face systemic challenges that leave them feeling unfulfilled and disillusioned. The poem captures the tension between labor and love, illustrating how economic hardship can strain personal relationships and lead to feelings of isolation and despair. Overall, the work reflects themes of labor, love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life for those in the working class, encapsulating the emotional weight of striving for a better life while grappling with the disappointments that accompany it.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, African American Literature · 130 words
First lines
I works all day Wid a pick an' a shovel.
Comes home at night --
It ain't nothin' but a hovel.
I calls for ma woman When I opens de door.
What this Textopian page supports
Workin' Man is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, African American Literature, Realism, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 130 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The themes address social issues such as labor, relationships, and economic struggle.
- African American Literature — The work reflects the experiences and struggles of African American workers, a common theme in this genre.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life and the harsh realities faced by the working class aligns with realist literature.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Working Class Life · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Poetic Form · Free Verse · Urban Experience · Industrialization · Labor Movement · Economic Struggle · Social Justice