# To W. E. B. DuBois—Scholar explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The speaker addresses W. E. B. DuBois as a majestic, isolated figure who shines light through darkness and despair, offering faith, hope, and strength to those suffering. The poem blends reverence with a plea for guidance, celebrating DuBois's role as a beacon of resilience and spiritual uplift.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Identity and Oppression

DuBois is portrayed as a solitary light in the 'dank and gloom' of racial oppression, guiding others through struggle.

### Spirituality and Transcendence

The poem uses religious imagery (Sanctus, Nunc Dimittus, resurrection) to frame DuBois's work as a spiritual mission.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who praises DuBois and expresses collective longing for guidance.

### Hope

Referenced as a buried yet reborn force, taught by DuBois alongside Faith.

## Key lines

> Grandly isolate as the god of day— Blazing an orbit through the dank and gloom Of misty morning, far and fair you loom, Flooding the dimness with your golden ray

You stand alone and majestic like the sun, cutting through the dark and fog of a dreary morning, appearing distant yet beautiful, filling the shadows with your light.

_DuBois is compared to the sun, a solitary source of illumination in a world of oppression and confusion._

> Teaching of Faith and Hope o’er the tomb, Where both, though buried, spring to newer bloom— Strengthened and sweet from the mound of decay.

You teach us about faith and hope even in the face of death, where these virtues, though seemingly buried, rise again renewed and sweeter from the grave.

_DuBois instills resilience, showing that faith and hope can be reborn stronger after loss._

> Lead, lead us on o’er the furthermost stair— Light of our impotence! Joy of our tongue!

Guide us onward up the highest step—you are the light in our weakness and the joy in our speech!

_The speaker implores DuBois to continue leading the marginalized toward progress and expression._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/to-w-e-b-dubois-scholar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters