Poem Analysis - Faces

Introduction: A Glimpse into Lost Innocence and Hope

Maya Angelou's "Faces" is a poignant reflection on the loss of innocence and the struggle to find hope amidst the harsh realities of life. The poem begins with a nostalgic yet rejecting tone, looking back at a past that is both remembered and discarded. It then introduces images of violence and despair, before shifting towards a plea for love and a questioning of societal apathy. The poem ultimately leaves the reader contemplating the possibility of redemption in a world filled with suffering and indifference.

Rejecting the Past, Embracing Disillusionment

The opening lines of the poem establish a sense of rejection towards the past. The speaker remembers "the brown caramel days of youth" but chooses to "reject" them. This suggests a disillusionment with the naivety and simplicity of childhood. The phrase "sun-sucked tit of childhood mornings" is a particularly vivid image, implying that childhood, while nourishing, is also something that is ultimately taken away. The poem then abruptly shifts to an image of violence, with "Poke a muzzle of war in the trust-frozen eyes of a favored doll." This jarring contrast highlights the abrupt end of innocence and the intrusion of harsh realities into the world of childhood.

The Fragility of Hope in a Broken World

One of the poem's central themes is the struggle to maintain hope in a world filled with suffering. The line "Breathe, Brother, and displace a moment's hate with organized love" serves as a direct plea for empathy and compassion. It suggests that hatred is a natural response to the world's injustices, but that it can be overcome with conscious effort. The image of "organized love" is interesting, implying that love requires intention and structure, especially in the face of overwhelming negativity. This evokes the social activist spirit and call for collective action so prevalent in Angelou's work.

The Symbolism of the Unseen Prophet

The image of the poet screaming "CHRIST WAITS AT THE SUBWAY!" introduces a powerful symbol of neglected hope. The subway, a place of transit and anonymity, represents the indifference of modern society. The poet's message, a desperate call for salvation, is seemingly ignored by the masses. The question "But who sees?" underscores the theme of societal apathy and the difficulty of making a meaningful connection in a world saturated with noise and distraction. One could interpret the "Christ" figure not literally, but as a symbol of compassion, redemption, or any figure that represents those ideals that are ignored in the day-to-day lives of the people.

Love and Hate: Dueling Forces

The poem grapples with the internal conflict between hate and love as a direct response to a painful world. The call to "displace a moment's hate with organized love" highlights the recognition that hate is a natural reaction but not a desirable outcome. It isn't a natural consequence of the world but instead an effort that requires "organization." The poem suggests that, within each person, the choice exists to channel energy into constructive love rather than destructive hate, which is an active struggle against the world's inherent injustices.

Conclusion: A Call for Vision and Action

"Faces" is a powerful exploration of lost innocence, societal apathy, and the enduring struggle to find hope in a broken world. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Angelou compels the reader to confront the harsh realities of life while simultaneously urging them to embrace compassion and organized love. The poem's significance lies in its poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, the possibility of redemption and connection remains, albeit often unseen and unheard.