The Theme of Sadie & Maude

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The theme of Gwendolyn Brooks's "Sadie and Maud" is that going against the grain of society is perfectly acceptable. Brooks conveys this message by depicting two contrasting sisters: Maud, who follows the rules of society, and Sadie, who does not allow social expectations to dictate her life. The poem explains how these women lead very different lives that reflect the choices they make. Brooks begins the poem with the statement "Maud went to college" (1). Very early, she leads the reader to see that Maud conforms to society's standards. Maud chooses a path that is governed by the rules and beliefs of the world around her. Throughout the poem, Brooks describes Maud judging her less conventional sister for the choices she makes. When Brooks writes that "Maud and Ma and Papa / nearly died of shame" (11-12) when Sadie has two illegitimate children, she emphasizes that Maud is controlled by the rules of society. In line two, Brooks introduces Sadie, whose name means "princess." Unlike Maud, "Sadie stays home" (2), choosing not to go to college and scraping life "with a fine toothed comb" (2-4). Through this description, Brooks shows Sadie living life to the fullest, not concerning herself with what society expects from her. The lines "Sadie was one of the livingest chits / in all the land" (7-8) paints a picture of a saucy girl out on the town. Brooks implies that Sadie could be counted upon to have fun with everyone and everything. Next, Brooks depicts Sadie going against the grain of society once again by having children out of wedlock. Brooks concludes the poem by explaining how Sadie's children receive an incredible gift of vitality from her. Sadie's daughters lead lives that are guided by their mother's example rather than by the restraints of society. Then there is Maud, "a thin brown mouse," "living all alone / in this old house" (18-20). Brooks uses this image of solitude to convey her message one last time. By doing only what society expects--by going to college and living a "respectable" life that is free of risk--one is likely to become unhappy and ultimately to die alone.

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