# Repulse explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The speaker laments that no one shares in their joy or sorrow, expressing a deep sense of isolation and rejection when seeking connection or compassion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Otherness

The speaker's ecstasy and sorrow alike go unnoticed, highlighting a profound alienation from others.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker experiences joy and sadness in solitude, feeling unheard and unwelcome.

## Key lines

> Nobody cares when I am glad, I beat upon their hearts in glee, “Drink, drink joy’s brimming cup with me,” All echoless, my ecstasy⁠— Nobody cares when I am glad.

No one responds to my happiness; I invite them to share my joy, but my excitement meets only silence.

_The speaker's attempts to share joy are met with indifference._

> Nobody cares when I am sad, Whene’er I seek compassion’s breast, I falter wounded from my quest Back! back into my heart, sore prest⁠— Nobody cares when I am sad.

No one cares when I am sad; whenever I look for sympathy, I am hurt and retreat into my own pained heart.

_The speaker's search for compassion results in further emotional injury._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/repulse
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters