Southern Road

by Sterling Brown

What does �gDouble�]shackled�h mean?

Do you mean "Doubleshackled?"

Yes ma'am, sorry for the typo. I think it means double leg irons that prisoners wear.

Yes. I agree.

To understand the meaning of the term "double-shackled" in the poem "Southern Road" by Sterling Brown, we need to analyze the context provided in the poem. "Southern Road" describes the experiences of African Americans in the Southern United States during a time when racial discrimination and slavery were prevalent.

In this poem, "double-shackled" is a metaphor highlighting the oppressive and dehumanizing conditions that African Americans faced. Shackles are metal restraints usually associated with restricting the movement of slaves. The term "double-shackled" suggests that African Americans were bound not only physically but also mentally or emotionally. It serves to emphasize the deep-rooted and pervasive nature of the oppression they experienced.

Throughout the poem, Brown uses vivid imagery and symbolism to depict the struggles and resilience of African Americans in the face of systemic racism. By understanding the historical context and the themes explored in the poem, we gain insights into the metaphorical meaning of "double-shackled" as a representation of the multiple layers of oppression inflicted upon African Americans during that time.