Yet Do I Marvel
By Countee Cullen
I doubt not God is good, well meaning, kind,
And did He stoop to quibble could tell why
The little buried mole continues blind,
Why flesh that mirrors Him must some day die,
Make plain the reason tortured Tantalus
Is baited by the fickle fruit, declare
If merely brute caprice dooms Sisyphus to struggle up a never ending stair.
Inscrutable His ways are, and immune to catechism by a mind too strewn
With petty cares to slightly understand
What awful brain compels His awful hand.
Yet do I marvel at this curious thing:
To make a poet black and bid him sing!
Summary of Yet Do I Marvel
- Overview: “Yet Do I Marvel” is a sonnet by Countee Cullen, published in his 1925 collection, Color. The poem explores themes of faith, divine purpose, and the paradoxical nature of suffering. It is notable for its sophisticated language, classical allusions, and poignant reflection on the poet’s own identity.
- Central Idea: The poem presents a speaker grappling with the inscrutability of God’s actions. While firmly believing in God’s goodness, the speaker questions why suffering and seemingly pointless struggles exist. Ultimately, the poem shifts to a place of wonder— the speaker marvels at the very fact that God would choose to grant a Black poet the gift of expression, recognizing this as a divine mystery.
- Key Knowledge: Countee Cullen was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant period of African American artistic and intellectual flourishing. Understanding this context enriches the reading of the poem, as the final lines powerfully address the societal constraints and inherent dignity of Black artistry. The poem’s form, a traditional sonnet, contrasts with its progressive subject matter, creating a compelling tension.
Analysis of Yet Do I Marvel
The Questioning of Divine Purpose
The opening lines establish the speaker’s faith, declaring “I doubt not God is good, well meaning, kind.” However, this affirmation immediately leads into a series of questions about the existence of suffering. The speaker wonders why a “little buried mole continues blind,” suggesting a seemingly pointless lack of perception. This is not a literal concern for the mole, but a metaphorical inquiry into the purpose behind inherent limitations. Similarly, the plight of Tantalus— eternally tormented by unreachable fruit—and Sisyphus— doomed to endlessly roll a boulder uphill— are presented as mysteries. The line, “Make plain the reason tortured Tantalus is baited by the fickle fruit,” showcases the speaker’s desire for clarity, a demand for justification in the face of apparent cruelty. The rhetorical questions are not meant to be answered, but rather to highlight the limits of human understanding when confronted with the divine.
The Inscrutability of God
Cullen masterfully portrays the limits of human reason when attempting to comprehend divine will. The lines “Inscrutable His ways are, and immune to catechism by a mind too strewn with petty cares to slightly understand” emphasize this point. “Catechism,” meaning formal instruction in the principles of Christian religion, is dismissed as inadequate. The speaker acknowledges that human minds, preoccupied with petty cares, are simply incapable of fully grasping God’s motivations. This is not presented as a condemnation of faith, but a humbling recognition of the vastness of the divine. The imagery of an “awful brain” compelling an “awful hand” evokes a powerful, almost terrifying sense of God’s power and mystery— a force beyond human comprehension. The adjective “awful” does not imply evil, but rather evokes a sense of awe and overwhelming power.
Shifting Focus: The Marvel of Black Artistry
The poem takes a profound turn in the final lines. After exploring the mysteries of suffering, the speaker shifts to a place of wonder and gratitude. “Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: To make a poet black and bid him sing!” This is not simply a statement of pride, but a recognition of the divine paradox. In a society steeped in racism and oppression, the very act of granting artistic expression to a Black poet is presented as a marvel— a testament to God’s power and an affirmation of human dignity. The verb “bid” is particularly striking. It suggests a divine invitation, a deliberate bestowal of a gift. This couplet transforms the poem from a philosophical inquiry into a powerful statement about identity, creativity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It suggests that even in the face of suffering, art can be a source of wonder and a testament to the divine.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Cullen employs a variety of literary and poetic devices to enhance the poem’s impact:
Allusion
The poem is rich in allusions to Greek mythology, specifically the stories of Tantalus and Sisyphus. These allusions serve to universalize the theme of suffering, connecting the speaker’s personal reflections to ancient archetypes. By referencing these well known myths, Cullen invites readers to contemplate the enduring nature of human struggles.
Imagery
Cullen uses vivid imagery to convey complex ideas. The image of the “little buried mole” evokes a sense of helplessness and limitation. The descriptions of Tantalus and Sisyphus create a visceral understanding of their eternal torment. These images are not merely decorative; they are integral to the poem’s thematic development.
Diction and Tone
The poem’s diction is formal and elevated, befitting the sonnet form. The tone is initially questioning and contemplative, but ultimately shifts to one of wonder and gratitude. This tonal shift is crucial to the poem’s overall meaning. The use of words like “inscrutable” and “immune” creates a sense of mystery and awe.
Sonnet Form
The poem’s adherence to the sonnet form, fourteen lines with a specific rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG), adds to its artistic impact. The structured form provides a framework for the speaker’s complex thoughts and emotions. The final couplet delivers a powerful concluding statement.
Quotes for Discussion
The following lines are particularly insightful for discussing the poem’s themes:
I doubt not God is good, well meaning, kind,
And did He stoop to quibble could tell why
The little buried mole continues blind,
Why flesh that mirrors Him must some day die.
These lines encapsulate the central tension of the poem— the speaker’s unwavering faith in God’s goodness juxtaposed with the existence of suffering.
“Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: To make a poet black and bid him sing!” This couplet serves as a powerful and inspiring testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.