Lucille Clifton’s poem “The Times They Used to Be” is a powerful piece of literature that explores themes of race, history, and memory. In this literary analysis, we will delve into the various techniques and literary devices that Clifton uses to convey her message and examine the deeper meaning behind the poem. Through a close reading of the text, we will explore the ways in which Clifton uses language, imagery, and symbolism to paint a vivid picture of the past and its impact on the present. Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Clifton’s work, as well as the broader themes and issues that it addresses.
Historical Context
Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be was published in 2001, but the themes and techniques explored in the collection of poems are deeply rooted in the historical context of the African American experience. Clifton herself was born in 1936 and grew up in the segregated South, experiencing firsthand the injustices and struggles faced by Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. The poems in The Times They Used to Be reflect this history, exploring themes of identity, race, and social justice. Clifton’s use of language and form also draws on the traditions of African American poetry, including the blues and spirituals. Understanding the historical context of Clifton’s work is essential to fully appreciating the depth and significance of her poetry.
Themes of Racism and Discrimination
Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be is a powerful collection of poems that explores the themes of racism and discrimination. Through her use of vivid imagery and poignant language, Clifton sheds light on the struggles and injustices faced by African Americans throughout history. One of the most striking aspects of the collection is the way in which Clifton confronts the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on black lives. She writes about the trauma of being torn from one’s homeland, the brutality of the slave trade, and the dehumanizing effects of slavery on both the enslaved and the enslavers. At the same time, she also celebrates the resilience and strength of black people in the face of oppression, highlighting the ways in which they have fought back against racism and discrimination throughout history. Overall, The Times They Used to Be is a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality, and a reminder of the importance of confronting the legacy of racism in our society.
Family and Community
Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be explores the themes of family and community in a powerful and poignant way. Throughout the collection, Clifton reflects on the importance of these relationships and the ways in which they shape our lives.
One of the most striking aspects of Clifton’s work is her ability to capture the complexity of family dynamics. She portrays the joys and sorrows of familial relationships with equal skill, highlighting the ways in which they can both support and challenge us. In “homage to my hips,” for example, she celebrates the strength and resilience of her body, which she sees as a reflection of the women who came before her. In “the lost baby poem,” on the other hand, she grapples with the pain of losing a child and the ways in which that loss can fracture a family.
Similarly, Clifton’s work emphasizes the importance of community in our lives. She recognizes the ways in which we are all interconnected, and the impact that our actions can have on those around us. In “the message of crazy horse,” for example, she reflects on the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights. Through her poetry, she encourages us to recognize our shared humanity and work towards a more just and equitable world.
Overall, Clifton’s exploration of family and community in The Times They Used to Be is a powerful reminder of the importance of these relationships in our lives. Through her poetry, she encourages us to cherish our loved ones, recognize our interconnectedness, and work towards a better future for all.
Gender and Sexuality
Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be explores the themes of gender and sexuality through the lens of African American history and culture. The collection of poems delves into the experiences of black women and their struggles with identity, relationships, and societal expectations. Clifton’s use of language and imagery highlights the complexities of gender and sexuality in a world that often seeks to limit and define them. Through her poetry, Clifton challenges traditional notions of femininity and masculinity, and celebrates the diversity of human experience. The Times They Used to Be is a powerful exploration of the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, and a testament to the resilience and strength of black women.
Nature and Environment
Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be is a powerful collection of poems that explores various themes, including nature and the environment. Throughout the book, Clifton uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her deep connection with the natural world and her concern for its preservation.
One of the most striking poems in the collection is “the earth is a living thing,” in which Clifton personifies the earth as a living being with its own thoughts and feelings. She writes, “the earth is a living thing/ is a black shambling bear/ ruffling its wild back and tossing/ mountains into the sea.” This image of the earth as a powerful, sentient creature highlights Clifton’s belief in the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world.
In other poems, Clifton explores the impact of human actions on the environment, such as in “the killing of the trees,” where she laments the destruction of forests for profit. She writes, “the killing of the trees/ is killing us too/ we are dying with the trees.” This powerful statement underscores the idea that our own survival is intimately tied to the health of the planet.
Overall, Clifton’s poetry in The Times They Used to Be serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.
Literary Techniques
One of the most prominent literary techniques used in Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be is repetition. Throughout the collection of poems, Clifton repeats certain phrases and words to emphasize their importance and create a sense of rhythm. For example, in the poem “the times,” Clifton repeats the phrase “the times they used to be” to contrast the past with the present and highlight the changes that have occurred. This repetition also serves to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. Additionally, Clifton uses repetition to draw attention to the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities, such as in the poem “homage to my hips,” where she repeats the phrase “these hips are big hips” to celebrate the beauty and strength of black women’s bodies. Overall, Clifton’s use of repetition adds depth and meaning to her poetry, and helps to convey her powerful messages about identity, history, and social justice.
Imagery and Symbolism
Imagery and symbolism play a significant role in Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be. The author uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey the themes of the poem. For instance, the image of a “black boy” being “shot in the street” is a powerful symbol of the violence and discrimination faced by African Americans. Similarly, the image of “a woman with a baby in her arms” represents the struggles of motherhood and the challenges faced by women in society. Clifton also uses symbolism to convey the idea of hope and resilience. The image of a “seed” that “will rise” represents the potential for growth and change, even in the face of adversity. Overall, the use of imagery and symbolism in The Times They Used to Be adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing readers to connect with the themes on a deeper level.
Metaphor and Simile
Metaphor and simile are two literary devices that Lucille Clifton masterfully employs in her collection of poems, The Times They Used to Be. Through the use of metaphor and simile, Clifton is able to create vivid and powerful images that convey the themes of her work. For example, in the poem “the lost baby poem,” Clifton uses the metaphor of a “black hole” to describe the pain and emptiness she feels after losing a child. This metaphor not only conveys the depth of her grief, but also suggests the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of her loss. Similarly, in the poem “the message of crazy horse to the lakota people,” Clifton uses the simile “like a snake shedding its skin” to describe the process of letting go of old beliefs and embracing new ones. This simile not only captures the transformative nature of this process, but also suggests the discomfort and vulnerability that can come with it. Overall, Clifton’s use of metaphor and simile adds depth and richness to her work, allowing her to explore complex themes in a way that is both accessible and emotionally resonant.
Repetition and Rhythm
Repetition and rhythm are two key elements in Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be. Throughout the collection, Clifton uses repetition to emphasize certain themes and ideas. For example, in the poem “the lost baby poem,” Clifton repeats the phrase “what did i know” to convey the speaker’s sense of guilt and regret. The repetition of this phrase creates a rhythm that underscores the emotional weight of the poem. Similarly, in “the message of crazy horse,” Clifton repeats the phrase “it is done” to emphasize the finality of death and the cyclical nature of life. This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and reinforces the poem’s themes of loss and renewal. Overall, Clifton’s use of repetition and rhythm adds depth and complexity to her poetry, highlighting the interconnectedness of her themes and ideas.
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood of Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be are crucial to understanding the themes and techniques used in the poem. The tone is one of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time, while the mood is one of sadness and regret for the loss of that time. Clifton’s use of repetition and imagery helps to create this tone and mood, as she describes the changes that have occurred in society and the loss of traditional values. The poem’s tone and mood also reflect the larger themes of the poem, such as the importance of family and community, the impact of societal changes on individuals, and the need to preserve cultural heritage. Overall, the tone and mood of The Times They Used to Be are essential elements of Clifton’s powerful and poignant poem.
Point of View
Point of view is an essential element in Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be. The collection of poems is written from a first-person point of view, which allows the reader to connect with the speaker on a personal level. The speaker’s voice is raw and honest, and the use of first-person point of view intensifies the emotions conveyed in the poems. The reader is able to experience the pain, joy, and struggles of the speaker as if they were their own. Additionally, the use of first-person point of view allows the reader to understand the speaker’s perspective on the themes explored in the collection, such as race, identity, and history. The speaker’s point of view is crucial in understanding the message Clifton is trying to convey in her work.
Characterization
Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be is a collection of poems that explores themes of race, identity, and history. One of the most striking aspects of the collection is Clifton’s use of characterization. Through her vivid descriptions and use of metaphor, Clifton brings to life a range of characters, from historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to everyday people struggling to survive in a racist society. One of the most memorable characters in the collection is the speaker’s grandmother, who appears in several poems. Through her grandmother’s stories and wisdom, the speaker learns about her family’s history and the struggles they have faced. Clifton’s characterization is not limited to human characters, however. She also gives voice to animals, such as the crows in “the crows” and the “black snake” in “the black snake.” By using animals as symbols, Clifton is able to explore complex themes in a way that is both accessible and powerful. Overall, Clifton’s skillful use of characterization is one of the key strengths of The Times They Used to Be, and it is what makes the collection such a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Structure and Form
The structure and form of Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be is an integral part of the overall message and themes of the collection. The poems are written in free verse, with varying line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme. This lack of formal structure allows Clifton to experiment with language and imagery, creating a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the collection.
Additionally, the collection is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct themes and motifs. The first section focuses on the history of African Americans in the United States, while the second section explores the experiences of women and the struggles they face. The final section is more personal, with Clifton reflecting on her own life and relationships.
Overall, the structure and form of The Times They Used to Be allows Clifton to explore a wide range of themes and ideas, while also creating a cohesive and powerful collection of poetry.
Analysis of Specific Poems
One of the most striking poems in Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be is “the lost baby poem.” This poem is a powerful exploration of the pain and grief that comes with losing a child, and it is notable for its use of repetition and imagery. Throughout the poem, Clifton repeats the phrase “what did I know” as a way of expressing her sense of confusion and helplessness in the face of such a devastating loss. She also uses vivid imagery to convey the physical and emotional toll of the experience, describing the “empty room” and the “cold breast” that are left behind. Overall, “the lost baby poem” is a moving and deeply personal work that speaks to the universal experience of grief and loss.
Influence and Legacy
Lucille Clifton’s influence and legacy in the literary world cannot be overstated. Her unique voice and perspective on issues of race, gender, and identity have inspired countless writers and readers alike. Clifton’s use of free verse and her ability to convey complex emotions in simple language have made her work accessible to a wide audience.
In addition to her literary contributions, Clifton was also a trailblazer in the field of African American studies. She was one of the first black women to receive a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia and went on to teach at several universities, including Columbia and Duke.
Clifton’s legacy continues to be felt today, as her work remains relevant and resonant. Her poetry has been featured in numerous anthologies and has been translated into several languages. In 2007, she was posthumously awarded the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in American poetry.
Overall, Lucille Clifton’s impact on the literary world and beyond cannot be overstated. Her unique voice and perspective continue to inspire and challenge readers and writers alike, and her legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Reception and Criticism
The Times They Used to Be by Lucille Clifton has received mixed reviews from literary critics. Some have praised the collection for its powerful themes and unique writing style, while others have criticized it for being too simplistic and lacking in depth.
One common criticism of Clifton’s work is that it is too focused on race and gender, and that she often relies on stereotypes and cliches to convey her message. However, others argue that Clifton’s use of these themes is necessary to address the systemic issues that continue to affect marginalized communities today.
Despite these criticisms, The Times They Used to Be has been widely praised for its emotional impact and powerful imagery. Clifton’s use of repetition and sparse language creates a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the reader has finished the collection.
Overall, while The Times They Used to Be may not be for everyone, it is a thought-provoking and important work that deserves to be read and discussed.
Comparison to Other Works
When comparing Lucille Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be to other works of literature, it becomes clear that her unique style and approach to poetry sets her apart from her contemporaries. While other poets may focus on traditional forms and structures, Clifton’s free verse and use of repetition create a distinct rhythm and flow to her work. Additionally, her exploration of themes such as race, gender, and identity give her poetry a depth and complexity that is not often seen in other works. Overall, Clifton’s The Times They Used to Be stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that deserves recognition and praise.
The Significance of the Title
The title of Lucille Clifton’s poem, “The Times They Used to Be,” holds significant meaning in relation to the themes and techniques explored throughout the work. The phrase “the times they used to be” suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past era, which is a recurring theme in the poem. Clifton uses vivid imagery and sensory language to transport the reader back in time, evoking a sense of loss and yearning for a simpler, more idyllic time. Additionally, the title’s use of the word “used” implies a sense of change and progression, highlighting the poem’s exploration of the passage of time and the ways in which society and culture have evolved. Overall, the title serves as a fitting introduction to the themes and techniques that Clifton masterfully weaves throughout the poem.
The Author’s Background and Life
Lucille Clifton was an American poet, writer, and educator who was born in Depew, New York, in 1936. She grew up in a large family with six siblings and was raised in a predominantly African American community. Clifton attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she studied literature and drama. After graduating, she worked as a claims clerk for the New York State Division of Employment, and later as a teacher in the New York City public school system. Clifton’s writing career began in the 1960s, and she went on to publish numerous collections of poetry and children’s books. She was known for her powerful and poignant writing, which often explored themes of race, gender, and identity. Clifton received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the National Book Award for Poetry in 2000. She passed away in 2010 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and inspiring writing.