Poem Analysis - One Wants A Teller In A Time Like This

Introduction: A Cry for Guidance

Gwendolyn Brooks' "One Wants a Teller In A Time Like This" is a poignant expression of uncertainty and the desire for clarity in a confusing world. The poem speaks with a tone of vulnerability and disorientation, reflecting a sense of being lost and overwhelmed. This feeling is initially conveyed through the use of the generalized "One," highlighting a universal human experience of seeking direction. As the poem progresses, there's a subtle shift from simple uncertainty towards a more critical examination of traditional sources of comfort.

Historical Context: Brooks' America

Gwendolyn Brooks was writing during a period of significant social and political upheaval in the United States, marked by the Civil Rights Movement and growing disillusionment with traditional institutions. While the poem doesn't explicitly address these events, they likely serve as a backdrop to the speaker's sense of unease and questioning. The speaker's desire for a "Teller" can be seen as a reflection of a broader societal search for authentic voices and reliable guidance amid societal turmoil.

The Weight of Uncertainty: Isolation and the Search for Meaning

A central theme in the poem is isolation, expressed through the repeated use of "One." This indefinite pronoun creates a sense of being alone and disconnected, unable to navigate the world with confidence. The line, "One's not a man, one's not a woman grown / To bear enormous business all alone" emphasizes this feeling of inadequacy and the overwhelming nature of life's challenges. Linked to this is the theme of the search for meaning. The speaker questions fundamental aspects of existence, "One wonders if one has a home," revealing a deeper existential crisis. The yearning for a "Teller" represents a desire for someone to provide answers and alleviate this sense of uncertainty.

Challenging Comfort: Questioning Traditional Narratives

The poem also subtly explores the theme of disillusionment with traditional sources of comfort. The "Teller" offers seemingly simple solutions: "Put on your rubbers and you won't catch a cold / Here's hell, there's heaven. Go to Sunday School." These platitudes, while intended to provide guidance and reassurance, are presented almost mechanically. The speaker's parenthetical question, "(and cool / Strong balm to calm the burning at the brain?)," suggests a skepticism towards these simplistic answers and a deeper understanding of the complexities of life's struggles. This section undercuts the initial desire for a simple "Teller," implying a need for something more profound.

Images of Guidance: Home and the Winding Street

The image of the "winding street" symbolizes the uncertain and confusing path of life. The speaker's inability to walk this street "Straight-shouldered, tranquil-eyed" reflects a lack of inner peace and direction. The contrasting image of "home" represents a sense of security, belonging, and certainty. However, the speaker questions whether they even have a home, suggesting a loss of faith in the traditional foundations of comfort and identity. This ambiguity around "home" leaves the reader questioning what true stability really is in a world that can be so tumultuous. The final lines offer a contrasting view of the assurances and love being true and that God exists. However, this contrasts the earlier uncertainty and can be interpreted as an open challenge of the previous ideals or a hopeful attempt at belief.

Conclusion: The Teller Within

In conclusion, "One Wants a Teller In A Time Like This" is a powerful expression of human vulnerability and the search for meaning in a complex world. The poem moves from a simple desire for guidance to a more nuanced critique of traditional sources of comfort. The speaker's uncertainty, expressed through the generalized "One," highlights the universal experience of feeling lost and overwhelmed. Ultimately, the poem suggests that while external guidance may be sought, the true "Teller" must be found within oneself, through questioning, critical thinking, and a willingness to confront the complexities of life.