Poem Analysis - Ulysses

A Façade of Faith: Introduction

Gwendolyn Brooks' "Ulysses" presents a stark contrast between outward piety and inner turmoil, painting a portrait of a family fractured by hypocrisy and neglect. The poem begins and ends with scenes of religious devotion, yet the actions described in between reveal a world far removed from the love and unity suggested by their prayers. The tone shifts from seeming reverence to blunt, almost cynical observation, leaving the reader with a disturbing sense of unease. The poem feels like a lament about the failures of the adult world to protect and nurture its young.

Social Disintegration: A Reflection of the Times

While specific historical context is not explicitly provided, Gwendolyn Brooks often explored themes of urban life, poverty, and racial inequality in her work. Knowing this, "Ulysses" can be seen as a potential commentary on the breakdown of traditional family structures and the societal pressures faced by marginalized communities. The poem hints at infidelity, homosexuality, and the presence of violence and drugs, all of which could be interpreted as reflections of social problems impacting families. The lack of adult supervision and moral guidance highlights a sense of societal neglect toward the younger generation.

The Paradox of Love and Abandonment

One of the central themes is the paradoxical presence and absence of love. The poem opens and closes with the family holding hands and holding "Love" during prayer, suggesting a unified and loving household. However, the descriptions of the parents' behavior – the father's infidelity and the mother's lesbian relationship – directly contradict this image. The children, left to their own devices, seek connection in destructive ways, carrying weapons and engaging with a "cool" man at the playground gate. This suggests they are desperately searching for love and guidance in the absence of responsible adult figures. The recurring phrase "holding Love" becomes bitterly ironic, highlighting the emptiness and hypocrisy within the family structure.

Sin and Silence: A Culture of Neglect

The phrase "Nobody Sees us, nobody stops our sin" is a powerful symbol of the children's isolation and the lack of adult supervision in their lives. "Sin" can be interpreted broadly, referring not only to their possession of weapons but also to their overall moral corruption, or even, conversely, to the adult world's failure to create a positive environment that would promote positive behaviors. The fact that their actions go unnoticed and unchecked implies a deeper societal problem – a failure to protect vulnerable children and address the root causes of their behavior. The teachers' futile attempts to feed them "geography," which they quickly "spit out," further illustrates the disconnect between the children's reality and the formal institutions meant to support them.

Irony and Despair: Final Thoughts

"Ulysses" is a poignant and unsettling exploration of a family struggling with inner conflicts and societal neglect. The poem’s power lies in its stark contrasts: the outward display of piety juxtaposed with the harsh realities of infidelity and abandonment. The title "Ulysses," alluding to the epic hero's journey, ironically underscores the children's aimless wandering and the lack of heroic guidance in their lives. The final image of the family praying again, "holding hands, holding Love," leaves the reader with a profound sense of unease, questioning the authenticity of their faith and the possibility of genuine redemption. Ultimately, the poem serves as a powerful indictment of a society that fails to see and protect its most vulnerable members.