Poem Analysis - Communication II

Introduction: A Generational Divide in Learning

Maya Angelou's "Communication II" is a poignant exploration of the gap between student and teacher, a chasm widened by differing experiences and perspectives. The poem's tone is initially one of disconnect and ignorance, gradually shifting towards a sense of resigned understanding. It presents two stark portraits: a student oblivious to the weight of history and a teacher burdened by its echoes. The poem focuses on the challenges inherent in transmitting knowledge and the impact of historical context on individual understanding. Ultimately, it highlights the potential for both growth and stagnation in the educational process.

Historical Context and Angelou's Perspective

While the poem doesn't explicitly delve into specific historical events, Angelou's background as a Black woman in America deeply informs the poem's subtext. Reconstruction, mentioned directly in the second stanza, refers to the period after the American Civil War, a time of attempted rebuilding and reconciliation marred by continued racial inequality and violence. Angelou, having witnessed and experienced the legacy of slavery and segregation, brings a unique sensitivity to the subject of history and its impact on the present. The "anguish" of Reconstruction, therefore, resonates with a deeper personal and societal significance for the "Teacher." Her perspective underscores the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present.

The Weight of History vs. Untouched Innocence: Key Themes

One central theme is the burden of history. The "Teacher" is weighed down by the "etched Pharaonic walls" and "Reconstruction's anguish," suggesting a profound awareness of the historical struggles and injustices. This awareness is contrasted sharply with the "Student," whose face has never touched "the dust of ancient pages," symbolizing his lack of engagement with the past. Another theme is the difficulty of communication across generational and experiential divides. The poem highlights the barriers to understanding, as the teacher attempts to impart knowledge to a student who is seemingly unready or unwilling to receive it. A third theme is the potential for stagnation. The "Teacher's" "dry dreams" suggest a sense of disillusionment, perhaps stemming from the inability to effectively connect with her students and share her understanding of the world.

Symbolism of Dust, Fountains, and Walls

The poem utilizes potent symbolism to convey its message. The "dust of ancient pages" represents history itself, accumulating over time and potentially obscuring the truth. The fact that the student's face has never touched this dust suggests a detachment from the past, a lack of curiosity or engagement with historical knowledge. The "fountains black and comely" are "mummied in a place beyond his young un-knowing." Fountains often symbolize knowledge, beauty, and vitality. Their being "mummied" implies that knowledge and beauty are inaccessible to the student, perhaps hidden or intentionally withheld. The "etched Pharaonic walls" symbolize a distant, yet powerful, history. The walls speak to the immutability of the past and its continued presence in the present. The poem also raises the question of whether the "Teacher's" "dry dreams" are a result of her own disillusionment or a reflection of the student's disinterest.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Lost Connection

"Communication II" is a stark commentary on the challenges of education and the transmission of knowledge across generational gaps. The poem highlights the profound impact of historical context on individual understanding and the potential for disconnect between those who carry the weight of the past and those who remain untouched by it. Angelou's concise and evocative language paints a poignant picture of a student and teacher struggling to connect, ultimately suggesting a legacy of lost opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The poem leaves the reader to ponder the responsibility of both the educator and the student in bridging this divide and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not lost on future generations.