Poem Analysis - Morning After

Introduction: A Bluesy Morning

Langston Hughes's "Morning After" is a short, evocative poem steeped in the blues tradition. It captures the raw feeling of a hangover, both physical and emotional, with a touch of humor. The tone is initially regretful and suffering, shifting to a slightly exasperated, yet affectionate, grumble. It's a glimpse into a lived experience, painted with simple language and relatable imagery.

Historical Resonance: Blues and the Everyday

Langston Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and his work often reflected the lives and experiences of Black Americans in the early to mid-20th century. The blues, a genre born from hardship and resilience, served as a significant influence. This poem, with its straightforward language and focus on personal struggle – the hangover, the bad liquor – echoes the themes and sensibilities found within the blues music of the time. The poem's simple language would likely have been accessible and relatable to a broad audience, reflecting Hughes's commitment to representing everyday life.

The Agony of Intoxication and its Aftermath

One of the central themes is the suffering caused by intoxication. The first stanza makes this abundantly clear, repeating the phrase "So sick last night I / Didn't know my mind." This repetition emphasizes the disorienting and debilitating effects of excessive drinking. The line "I drunk some bad licker that / Almost made me blind" adds a vivid image of the physical discomfort and potential danger of the situation. This theme extends beyond mere physical sickness. The next stanza expands this, suggesting a descent into what feels like "hell."

Dreams, Nightmares, and Domesticity

The poem also explores the blurred lines between nightmarish dreamscapes and domestic reality. The speaker's dream of being in hell transitions directly into the presence of their sleeping partner. The abrupt shift from the abstract horror of "hell" to the concrete image of the "Babe, your mouth was open like a well" creates a jarring contrast. This could symbolize how personal demons or past actions haunt even the most familiar and intimate settings. Is the snoring “Babe” a comic counterpoint to the dream of hell, or another aspect of the speaker’s suffering?

Humor and Affection: A Complicated Love

Despite the speaker’s suffering, a subtle theme of affection underlies the exasperation. While annoyed by the snoring, the speaker addresses their partner as "Baby!" This term of endearment, repeated multiple times, suggests a tenderness that counteracts the irritation. The final lines, "You jest a little bit o' woman but you / Sound like a great big crowd," although delivered with a slight edge, also contain a hint of amusement. The poem suggests a relationship that can withstand the challenges of everyday life, even mornings after a night of bad decisions.

Conclusion: Echoes of the Blues

"Morning After" captures the spirit of the blues in a concise and relatable way. It's a poem about the consequences of excess, both physical and emotional, but it also speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, even in its most imperfect forms. The poem's strength lies in its simplicity, allowing readers to connect with the speaker's experience on a personal level and find a touch of humor amidst the regret and discomfort.