Sterling Browns Riverbank Blues. Who do you think Brown wrote this for and who was the audience?
Here's one interpretation.
http://suite101.com/article/browns-riverbank-blues-a97100
"Sterling Brown's Riverbank Blues" is a poem that was published in 1932, during a period known as the Harlem Renaissance. The poem itself is a reflection of the experiences and struggles of African Americans in America, particularly those living in urban environments. While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific individual or audience that Brown wrote the poem for, it is safe to say that he wrote it to shed light on the African American experience and to generate empathy and understanding from a wider audience.
To determine who Brown might have written the poem for, it is helpful to examine the historical context in which it was written. During the Harlem Renaissance, African American writers, artists, and intellectuals were exploring and expressing their own unique cultural identities and experiences. They aimed to challenge racial stereotypes and promote pride and awareness of black culture. This artistic movement fostered a sense of community among African Americans, while also seeking to reach a broader audience to educate and provoke thought regarding racial inequality.
In "Riverbank Blues," Brown captures the realities of life in a racially segregated society, emphasizing the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans. The poem speaks to the sense of displacement and despair felt by those living in urban environments, particularly within the context of the Great Migration—a period when many African Americans moved from the rural South to northern cities.
Considering the themes and objectives of the Harlem Renaissance, it can be inferred that Brown intended to write for both African Americans and a broader audience. He sought to give voice to the African American experience and challenge societal norms and prejudice. Additionally, by sharing these experiences with a wider audience, he aimed to promote understanding and empathy among different racial and cultural groups.