Abstract This paper compares two of Gwendolyn Brooks' books of poetry: "Street in Bronzeville" and "Bronzeville Boys and Girls". It examines the way in which each poem depicts black life and the influence of Bronzeville on Brooks' writing.
From the Paper "With her stunning use of form and language, Gwendolyn Brooks is often considered one of the most innovative American poets of the twentieth century. More importantly Brooks stands out as a post-Harlem Renaissance writer who speaks honestly and passionately .."
Abstract The paper discusses how Brooks' white audience affected her writing. The paper also considers whether her work was more geared toward these white readers, or rather toward a black audience.
From the Paper "When Gwendolyn Brooks began publishing her poetry, her readers were in for a surprise. Appearing mostly in magazines aimed at upper and middle white audiences, Brooks' poems revealed the inner world of urban blacks, a realm previously unknown to white readers. Indeed much of the critical reaction to Brooks' poetry fixated on her race as a means of judgment; critics seemed to praise the work in spite of the fact that Brooks was an African American woman."
