Poem Analysis - The Good Man

A Beacon of Morality

Gwendolyn Brooks's "The Good Man" is a compelling exploration of ethical responsibility in a world riddled with flaws. The poem portrays the "good man" not as a passive observer, but as an active force for positive change. Initially, the tone is reverent, almost pleading, as the speaker recognizes the need for moral guidance. However, a sense of urgency and even desperation surfaces as the poem progresses, revealing the depth of the societal ills the "good man" is called upon to address. The poem serves as both an admiration of moral integrity and a challenge to live up to its principles.

The Call to Ethical Action

One of the poem's central themes is the urgent need for ethical action in a corrupt world. Brooks establishes this theme through contrasting imagery. Phrases like "bogus roses," "rank wreath," and "gray jubilees of our demondom" paint a picture of a society celebrating superficiality and even wickedness. Against this backdrop, the "good man" emerges as a "prime registered reproach and seal," a symbol of genuine morality that highlights the falseness around him. He is a reminder of what is right and a call to accountability.

Repairing a Ripped Land

Another important theme is the restoration and healing of a fractured society. The lines "Constrain, repair a ripped, revolted land. / Put hand in hand land over" directly address this theme. The image of a "ripped, revolted land" suggests a nation torn apart by conflict, injustice, or moral decay. The "good man" is implored to "repair" this damage, to mend the divisions and bring about reconciliation. This involves not just physical restoration but also a fundamental shift in values and perspectives, symbolized by putting "hand in hand land over," signifying unity and shared responsibility.

Love as the Ultimate Goal

The poem also subtly explores the theme of love as the ultimate guiding principle. While not explicitly stated as the sole focus, the concluding lines, "Love. / Complete / your pledges, reinforce your aides, renew / stance, testament," suggest that love is the foundation upon which true morality is built. The call to "complete your pledges" and "reinforce your aides" implies a commitment to acting with compassion and empathy. The final line, "stance, testament," can be interpreted as a call to stand firm in one's love-driven principles and to let one's actions serve as a testament to its power.

Symbolism of Color and Drought

The poem employs several potent symbols. The phrase "terribly excluded blue" is particularly striking. Blue often represents tranquility, peace, and truth. Its "exclusion" suggests that these qualities are missing from the current state of affairs, highlighting the moral and spiritual poverty of society. Further, the "abler droughts and manias of the day" symbolize the destructive forces that plague the world. "Droughts" represent a lack of spiritual nourishment and compassion, while "manias" symbolize the obsessive and irrational behaviors that lead to chaos and suffering. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for the "good man's" intervention.

Concluding Thoughts on Moral Imperative

In conclusion, "The Good Man" is a powerful poem that resonates with its message of moral responsibility. Brooks presents the "good man" as a vital force for change, one who challenges societal corruption, heals divisions, and embodies the power of love. The poem is not merely a celebration of virtue but a call to action, urging readers to embrace their own capacity for goodness and to strive to create a more just and compassionate world. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its reminder that moral integrity is not a passive trait but an active commitment to making a positive difference.