Poem Analysis - Men
Introduction: A Journey From Yearning to Wary Observation
Maya Angelou's "men" is a powerful exploration of a young woman's evolving perception of masculinity and the devastating consequences of male violence. The poem begins with a tone of adolescent fascination and longing, quickly transitioning into a stark and disturbing portrayal of sexual assault and its lasting psychological impact. The final stanza reveals a shift towards a cautious, detached observation, tinged with lingering trauma and a hint of uncertainty about the future. Through vivid imagery and emotionally charged language, Angelou crafts a narrative of shattered innocence and the difficult path to recovery.
From Fascination to Vulnerability: The Allure of the Male Gaze
The poem initially establishes a theme of adolescent yearning and the allure of the male figure. The opening lines depict the speaker as a young girl, "Fifteen / Years old and starving for them," secretly observing men from behind the curtains. This imagery suggests a sense of hidden desire and a vulnerability to the male gaze. The descriptions of "Young men sharp as mustard" and "Their shoulders high like the / Breasts of a young girl" emphasize the physical attractiveness and power that these men exude, fueling the speaker's innocent fascination. The men's awareness of her presence ("They knew I was there") further heightens the sense of anticipation and potential connection, setting the stage for the poem's tragic turn.
The Crushing Weight of Violence: Loss of Innocence
The central theme of the poem is the devastating impact of sexual violence on a young woman's psyche. The extended metaphor of the "raw egg" vividly portrays the speaker's vulnerability and the gradual escalation of abuse. The initial "gentle" hold transforms into a tightening grip, culminating in a violent act that shatters her innocence. The lines "When the / Air disappears, / Your mind pops, exploding fiercely, briefly, / Like the head of a kitchen match. Shattered" depict the trauma with visceral intensity. The image of "juice / That runs down their legs. Staining their shoes" is particularly disturbing, highlighting the violation and objectification of the speaker. The poem suggests that the violence leaves her permanently damaged, her body "slammed shut. Forever. / No keys exist." This irrevocable closure underscores the lasting psychological scars of the assault.
Stained Shoes and Shut Bodies: A Question of Responsibility
The "stained shoes" are a recurring image that symbolizes the men's culpability and the lasting impact of their actions. The stain suggests that they are forever marked by the violence they have committed, though the poem leaves it open to interpretation whether they will acknowledge or internalize that mark. The phrase "shut bodies," repeated at the end of the poem, could also represent the lasting trauma. It suggests the speaker's (and potentially other women's) defense mechanism to protect themselves from further harm. Could the image of "shut bodies" suggest a loss of trust, a forced emotional and physical closure preventing future authentic connections?
The Trauma Lingers: Wary Observation from Afar
The final stanza marks a shift towards a cautious and detached observation of men. The speaker returns to the window, but this time, she chooses to "simply / Stand and watch," suggesting a conscious decision to avoid further engagement or vulnerability. The phrase "Knowing something. / Going someplace" implies that the men remain unchanged by their actions, continuing their lives with a sense of purpose and perhaps a lack of awareness of the harm they have inflicted. The concluding "Maybe" hints at a lingering uncertainty and a recognition that the trauma may continue to affect her future interactions with men, despite her attempts at detachment. This tentative conclusion underscores the complex and enduring effects of violence and the challenges of healing.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Trauma and a Quest for Healing
"men" is a poignant and disturbing exploration of the devastating consequences of sexual violence and the difficult path to recovery. Through vivid imagery, emotionally charged language, and a carefully crafted narrative, Maya Angelou captures the transition from adolescent fascination to the lasting psychological impact of trauma. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the need to address the root causes of violence and to support survivors in their journey towards healing and empowerment. The final note of uncertainty highlights the ongoing challenges of navigating a world where the threat of male violence remains a constant presence.
When I was young, I used to Watch behind the curtains As men walked up and down the street. Wino men, old men. Young men sharp as mustard. See them. Men are always Going somewhere. They knew I was there. Fifteen Years old and starving for them. Under my window, they would pause, Their shoulders high like the Breasts of a young girl, Jacket tails slapping over Those behinds, Men. One day they hold you in the Palms of their hands, gentle, as if you Were the last raw egg in the world. Then They tighten up. Just a little. The First squeeze is nice. A quick hug. Soft into your defenselessness. A little More. The hurt begins. Wrench out a Smile that slides around the fear. When the Air disappears, Your mind pops, exploding fiercely, briefly, Like the head of a kitchen match. Shattered. It is your juice That runs down their legs. Staining their shoes. When the earth rights itself again, And taste tries to return to the tongue, Your body has slammed shut. Forever. No keys exist. Then the window draws full upon Your mind. There, just beyond The sway of curtains, men walk. Knowing something. Going someplace. But this time, I will simply Stand and watch. Maybe.