Poem Analysis - 50 50

Introduction: A Bargain of Love and Economics

Langston Hughes' "50-50" is a starkly realistic poem exploring the transactional nature of relationships, particularly between a man and a woman struggling with loneliness and desire. The poem opens with a lament of isolation and shifts into a blunt, economic proposition. Its tone moves from plaintive to cynical, underscored by colloquial language and direct dialogue. The poem's core message centers around the unequal power dynamics and the sacrifices, both emotional and financial, that love may demand.

Hughes' Voice: Representing the Everyman

Langston Hughes was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a period of flourishing African American art and literature. His work often addressed the everyday realities, struggles, and aspirations of Black Americans. "50-50" aligns with this trend by portraying a conversation between two individuals dealing with fundamental human needs, likely within a context of economic hardship or limited opportunities, which was prevalent for many Black Americans during the early to mid-20th century.

Loneliness and the Price of Companionship

One of the primary themes is loneliness, evident in the woman's opening lines: "I'm all alone in this world... Ain't got nobody to share my bed." This initial isolation drives her search for connection. The poem then develops the theme of transactional love. Big Boy's response transforms the quest for companionship into an exchange: emotional connection for financial support. The poem also touches on gender dynamics, highlighting a societal structure where a woman's worth (or access to companionship) appears tied to her resources, and a man feels entitled to a portion of those resources.

The "Head" as a Symbol of Economic Savvy

The recurring symbol in the poem is the "head," used figuratively by Big Boy. When he tells her, "Trouble with you is / You ain't got no head!", he isn't referring to intelligence in a traditional sense but rather to her lack of business acumen in the realm of relationships. In his view, she is failing to strategically leverage her resources (which the poem later implies are financial) to secure companionship. The "head," therefore, becomes a symbol of economic shrewdness within the context of romance. This challenges conventional notions of love as purely emotional and suggests it can be influenced by material factors.

The Ambiguity of the Bargain

The poem leaves the reader pondering the woman's decision. Does she accept Big Boy's terms? Is the promise of companionship worth the financial cost? The poem's ending isn't explicit, suggesting a deliberate ambiguity. It invites the reader to consider the compromises people make in the pursuit of connection and whether these compromises ultimately lead to genuine fulfillment. It raises the questions: Is the "50-50" arrangement a pragmatic solution to loneliness or a recipe for exploitation? Is love truly attainable in such a calculated exchange?

Conclusion: A Cynical Reflection on Love's Realities

"50-50" is a powerful, albeit cynical, commentary on the complexities of human relationships, especially as they intersect with economic realities. Langston Hughes strips away romantic illusions, presenting a raw depiction of how loneliness can lead to transactional arrangements and how power dynamics can shape the terms of love. The poem’s impact lies in its unflinching portrayal of a society where even intimacy is subject to negotiation, highlighting the sacrifices and compromises that people sometimes make in their desperate search for connection, even if it results in an unfulfilling 'love'.