Respond to the poem below by explaining the message or the theme of the poem is revealed through the speaker (narrator) of the poem.
The Bean Eaters
Gwendolyn Brooks
1917 –2000
They eat beans mostly, this old yellow pair.
Dinner is a casual affair.
Plain chipware on a plain and creaking wood,
Tin flatware.
Two who are Mostly Good.
Two who have lived their day,
But keep on putting on their clothes
And putting things away.
And remembering . . .
Remembering, with twinklings and twinges,
As they lean over the beans in their rented back room that
is full of beads and receipts and dolls and cloths,
tobacco crumbs, vases and fringes.
In Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "The Bean Eaters," the speaker presents a poignant reflection on the lives of an elderly couple living in humble circumstances. The poem reveals a deeper message about the themes of aging, memory, and the significance of simple, everyday life through the lens of its narrator.
Theme of Aging and Simplicity
The speaker introduces us to "this old yellow pair," establishing a sense of familiarity and intimacy with the couple. The phrase "They eat beans mostly" suggests not only their dietary limitations but also their financial constraints. Beans, a simple and inexpensive food, symbolize the couple's modest lifestyle. This simplicity is further emphasized by the setting described in "plain chipware on a plain and creaking wood," which evokes a sense of weariness and the passage of time. The imagery suggests both the physical deterioration of their living space and a life that has been lived with practicality over extravagance.
Reflection on Memory
As the poem unfolds, the couple’s actions—“putting on their clothes / And putting things away”—hint at a routine that provides structure and comfort in their daily lives. However, it is the act of “remembering” that becomes central to the emotional core of the poem. The speaker notes that their memories come with “twinklings and twinges,” suggesting a bittersweet nostalgia. This duality is significant; while memories can bring joy (twinklings), they can also evoke pain or regret (twinges). This complexity mirrors the experience of aging, where recollection can be both a source of comfort and a reminder of loss.
The Accumulation of Life
The details in the rented back room—“beads and receipts and dolls and cloths, / tobacco crumbs, vases and fringes”—serve as a metaphor for the couple's accumulated experiences and history. Each item represents fragments of their past, signifying moments that have shaped their lives. The room itself, filled with remnants from their years together, reflects the richness of their shared existence despite its outward simplicity.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Life's Ordinary Moments
Through the voice of the speaker, Brooks conveys a profound appreciation for the ordinary moments that define this couple's life together. The poem invites readers to recognize the beauty inherent in simplicity and routine while also acknowledging the layers of memory that accompany aging. In essence, "The Bean Eaters" is a celebration of resilience and love in the face of life's challenges, emphasizing that even in modest circumstances, there exists a wealth of experience and connection that transcends material wealth. The speaker’s observations encourage us to reflect on our own lives and recognize the significance of shared moments, no matter how humble they may seem.