Leah+B.

Gwendolyn Brooks' poem entitled "a song in the front yard" can be interpreted in numerous ways due its illiterate meaning, and its expansive use of symbolism. Due to further research and close evaluation i have taken from this poem that it is comparing the life of a young white girl to the life of a young black girl. During the time frame in which the poem was written, African- Americans were not yet given as many rights as they are today. These interpretations could not have possibly have been determined unless other poems written by Gwendolyn were read. if you had no prior knowledge to the style of the other, then you could have only concluded that this was a privileged young girl who is unhappy with her life. Thus most mind settings were still stuck on "white" being the superior. The poem in my opinion refers to a very privileged Caucasian wanting something more than just material things, and luxuries. She instead, wants to experience the poverish life of a person who is forced to find happiness in other ways beside privileges.

her interpretation begins on (lines 1-4) when the poem implies that "I’ve stayed in the front yard all my life/I want a peek at the back/ Where it’s rough and untended and hungry weed grows./A girl gets sick of a rose." usually the front yard of the house has to have the most appeal, and be the most interesting because it's the only part of the house that everyone has to see. putting this quote and interpretation into the context of race, i concluded that the girl in the poem is saying white is clearly better than black, she however wants to explore what it’s like to be black. She wants to know what it’s like to not have everything she desires given to her. I came to this conclusion because people don't tend to weeds, there useless and unwanted, roses on the other hand, have lots more effort put into them because they are beautiful and highly desired. Thus, the speaker is obviously bored of her life, and in need of excitement. 

to further explore this interpretation of race in (lines 5-10)" I want to go in the back yard now/ And maybe down the alley,/To where the charity children play./I want a good time today." the only way to get into someone’s back yard without intruding is to be invited. These quotes imply that she has to become acquaintances with the opposite race so that they will invite her to be with them. This is her first decision to actually go to the back yard. in (line 8) she comes to the conclusion that it will be fun if she socializes with the african-americans.

In (lines 10- 14) "My mother sneers, but I say it’s fine/ How they don’t have to go in at quarter to nine./ My mother, she tells me that Johnnie Mae/ Will grow up to be a bad woman." the mother quickly enlightens her daughter, and sneers that the back yard will get her into nothing but mischief and be a bad influence for her. she however, continues to disregard what her mother has told her, and continues to desire to go into the back yard, evident in (lines 17-21) "But I say it’s fine. Honest, I do./And I’d like to be a bad woman, too,/And wear the brave stockings of night-black lace/ And strut down the streets with paint on my face." this also shows a bit off defiance, sassiness, and attitude against her mother.

In conclusion, the girl will do anything it takes to have a little adventure. Even if that means she socializes with the opposite race, which was not accepted in this time frame. Gwendolyn brooks' poem can be interpreted in many ways, and its very interesting to see how different people individually analysis it.

