Poem Analysis - Hunchback Girl She Thinks Of Heaven

Introduction: A Yearning for Idealized Acceptance

Gwendolyn Brooks' "Hunchback Girl: She Thinks Of Heaven" is a poignant exploration of longing and the yearning for acceptance. The poem paints a picture of a heaven envisioned by a young woman with a physical difference, a place where she imagines finding solace and freedom from the earthly constraints of her appearance. The tone is initially hopeful and anticipatory, but subtly tinged with the underlying pain of her present reality. The poem's mood shifts from a hopeful imagining of perfection to a more sobering understanding of the challenges of earthly existence.

Theme: The Quest for Belonging

One of the central themes is the quest for belonging. The speaker, presumably the "hunchback girl" of the title, seeks a space where she feels completely accepted and "proper." This desire is evident in her descriptions of heaven: "Straight. Right. Regular," and a "planned place." These words emphasize her craving for order and normalcy, a stark contrast to the perceived irregularities of her own body and the reactions she receives from the world. The lines "no need for scholarly nonchalance or looks / A little to the left" suggest that she currently uses strategies to deflect attention or to hide her insecurities, strategies rendered unnecessary in her idealized heaven.

Theme: The Ideal vs. Reality

The theme of the ideal versus reality is powerfully presented through the contrast between the speaker's envisioned heaven and her implied earthly existence. Heaven is imagined as a place "Out of coils, / Unscrewed, released," suggesting a release from the physical and emotional constraints that currently bind her. The phrase "crooked corridors" refers not just to her physical form but also potentially to the complicated emotional landscapes she navigates in life. The desire to "walk straightly through most proper halls / Proper myself, princess of properness" highlights her longing to transcend her physical limitations and to be valued for who she is, rather than judged by her appearance. However, the very need to imagine such a heaven underscores the painful reality of her present circumstances.

Symbolism: "Straightness" as an Ideal

The poem employs "straightness" as a recurring symbol. It appears in phrases such as "Straight. Right. Regular" and "walk straightly." "Straightness" is not merely a physical attribute; it represents an idealized state of being, both physically and morally. In this context, it symbolizes the speaker's desire to conform to societal norms and expectations, to be free from the perceived imperfections of her body. However, the poem subtly hints at the limitations of such a rigid ideal. The phrase "love that runs without crookedness / Along its crooked corridors" suggests that even in heaven, there might be elements of complexity and imperfection, perhaps implying that true love and acceptance can exist even amidst perceived flaws.

Conclusion: A Wishful Glimpse of Hope

In conclusion, "Hunchback Girl: She Thinks Of Heaven" is a moving portrayal of a young woman's longing for acceptance and belonging in a world that often judges based on appearance. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the themes of the ideal versus reality, and the quest for belonging. Brooks uses vivid imagery and symbolism, particularly the recurring motif of "straightness," to convey the speaker's deep desire to transcend her physical limitations and to find a place where she is valued for her true self. The poem offers a poignant glimpse into the inner world of a young woman, reminding us of the universal human desire for acceptance and the enduring power of hope, even in the face of adversity.