Senghor’s ‘Black Woman’, published in 1936, is a poem praising the black woman in contrast to the biased view of beauty being attributed to white skin. The poem is a negritude poem, which was the first poem (at the time it was published ) in praise of a black woman. The poem specifically portrays a black woman as an epitome of beauty, praising her for her black and natural self, and attaching pride to black skin. The poem praising the black woman can also, by extension, be seen as praising the continent of Africa as a whole, debunking the view that the Western world is superior and Africa inferior.
The poet illustrates the value of our African skin, and our root, and therefore urge Africans o celebrate their black skin, their root, and their Africa. The poem has a simple diction, one that expresses beauty as natural(naked). The mood of the poem is that of idolization, as the poet praises the beauty of a black woman.
BLACK WOMAN POEM ANALYSIS
Senghor’s ‘Black Woman’ begins with the announcement of a naked black woman who is clothed with the color of life and beauty. This woman, Senghor portrays as having gentleness and charm, expressing the warmth this woman offers. The poet personae, who might have been nurtured by a black woman, praises her care and warmth.