An Analysis of The Poem "Kitchenette Building"

One of Gwendolyn Brooks' most famous poems, "Kitchenette Building," delves into the complexities and struggles of life in a cramped urban apartment. Through vivid imagery and rich language, Brooks conveys the hardships faced by those living in poverty and the longing for a better life. This essay will explore the themes of poverty, dreams, and endurance in "Kitchenette Building," and examine how Brooks uses poetic devices to convey these themes.

Brooks paints a stark picture of poverty in "Kitchenette Building," describing the cramped living conditions and lack of basic amenities. The poem opens with the lines, "We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan, Grayed in, and softened, with the smoke of the chimney," immediately setting the tone of hardship and struggle. The use of the word "grayed" conveys a sense of weariness and resignation, while "softened with the smoke of the chimney" suggests a pervasive sense of poverty and deprivation.

Throughout the poem, Brooks highlights the reality of poverty, where dreams are often deferred in favor of survival. The lines, "Lean on the table as the gold-eyed fish were lifted," suggest the monotony and routine of everyday life in a kitchenette building. The image of the "gold-eyed fish" being lifted serves as a metaphor for the hopes and dreams of the tenants, struggling to stay afloat in an unforgiving world.

Despite the challenges faced by the residents of the kitchenette building, Brooks emphasizes the power of dreams and aspirations. The poem contains several references to dreams deferred, such as "But we have no future at all. Oh, happy happy. We repeat, happy happy." These lines convey a sense of bitterness and resignation, as the tenants come to terms with their unfulfilled dreams.

However, Brooks also suggests that dreams have the power to sustain us in even the most difficult circumstances. The lines, "Any escapement is a good one," convey a sense of hope and determination, as the tenants seek ways to break free from their limitations. The repeated use of the word "dream" throughout the poem underscores the importance of holding onto one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.

One of the central themes of "Kitchenette Building" is the idea of endurance and resilience in the face of hardship. The poem speaks to the strength and fortitude of those living in poverty, who continue to strive for a better life despite their difficult circumstances. The lines, "We wait that the boil shall be perfect, the join shall be plump, The expected comes not," highlight the tenants' determination to persevere, even when their efforts seem in vain.

Brooks uses powerful imagery and language to convey the tenants' resilience, such as "We dwell in the liquorish boughs," which evokes a sense of shelter and protection amidst adversity. The repeated references to cooking and preparing food serve as metaphors for the tenants' endurance and ability to make do with limited resources. Through these images, Brooks celebrates the strength and tenacity of those living in poverty.

In conclusion, "Kitchenette Building" is a powerful exploration of poverty, dreams, and endurance in the face of adversity. Through vivid imagery and rich language, Gwendolyn Brooks conveys the struggles faced by those living in cramped urban apartments, while also celebrating their resilience and determination. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, as well as the power of dreams to sustain us in even the most difficult circumstances.