Poem- Madam's Past History by Langston Hughes

[Ms. Knarr]

Madam’s Past History By Langston Hughes 1902–1967 Langston Hughes

My name is Johnson—
Madam Alberta K.
The Madam stands for business.
I’m smart that way.


I had a
HAIR-DRESSING PARLOR
Before
The depression put
The prices lower.


Then I had a
BARBECUE STAND
Till I got mixed up
With a no-good man.


Cause I had a insurance
The WPA
Said, We can’t use you
Wealthy that way.


I said,
DON’T WORRY ’BOUT ME!
Just like the song,
You WPA folks take care of yourself—
And I’ll get along.


I do cooking,
Day’s work, too!
Alberta K. Johnson—
Madam to you.

[briannashreve]

1. I think that Hughes could be talking about how African-Americans faced oppression heavily throughout the early 1900's. In my opinion, all the businesses represent the African American people of the time, and the WPA represents the white people oppressing them. When Hughes writes "I said,
DON'T WORRY 'BOUT ME!
Just like the song,
You WPA folks take care of yourself--
And I'll get along." I think he means that no matter how much oppression they face, they will continue on. Their oppressors will not phase them. They will continue to grow as a people, and they will continue chasing their dreams.

2. I didn't really understand the piece the first time I read it. I continued to read it until I could find some meaning in it. One I found meaning behind it, I really liked it. The message behind it is very inspirational, to not let anyone bring you down.

3.
1) What significance does the time period have to the poem?
2) Why could the WPA signify white oppressors?
3) What does the first paragraph mean?
4) Do you think that the capitalization of certain phrases has any significance?

[Katie Mustillo]

1. I agree with Brianna. During this time in the 1900's, segregation, discrimination, and prejudice occuring was normal. They would have everything taken away from them or destroyed no matter what the circumstances or what it was. Some white people did not want them having jobs or a life so they did whatever they could to stop it. They were in heavy depression, or oppression as Brianna said during this time. The poem discusses all the businesses Alberta K. Johnson had until something bad happened to them. Like Brianna said, the WPA is all the white people destroying and ruining their lives. Then she says to not worry about her because she'll be fine; she'll find other work to support herself. They can't stop her because she'll always find something. In conclusion, Hughes is trying to say that no matter what happens to you, don't let people put you down, ruin your life, or kill your dreams. You can do whatever you want and be whatever you want and no one can ever bring you down if you don't let them.
2. Even though I had to read the poem a couple of times to get the true meaning, I thought it was a really good poem with a great message. It shows you a life lesson that you will need for the rest of your life; never let anyone bring you down, stop you from doing something, or tell you can't do something because you can. You may hit bumps along the way, but you have to put them passed you and keep going. If something doesn't work out for you then you have to keep trying or try something else. Don't ever let people put you down. Hughes tried to show his readers a true life lesson that you will use your whole life and I thought it was really inspirational. You always have to believe in yourself and not care what other people think or do.
3. Answer to Brianna's Q4: Yes I think it has a lot of significance. I think he capatalizes certain phrases because he wants to put emphasis on them. He capatalizes the businesses she had and to not worry about her because it was to show that she's smart and she can do many great things on her own. It shows the woman is strong and can take care of herself and no one is going to put her down.
My question: Who is she saying "Madam to you" to? Is it to white people or is it something to do with work?