The Game Has Lost Its Fun

                Maya Angelou's lyrical poem "Harlem Hopscotch" uses the powerful symbol of a game of hopscotch to reflect the hardships experienced by black children living in a time of brutal racism and the twisted game of life she must complete without giving in to defeat. From the start, the mood of the piece is hauntingly highlighted: "Another jump, now to the left. / Everybody for hisself" (3-4). Angelou captures the innocence of the children playing with the rhythmic enjambment, and by the next line, outlines the fear experienced as well. From one hop to the next, danger emerges and the players must try to escape without the help of the others. Through the dire situation, they continue playing, as if in an effort to grasp whatever enjoyment from life they can get while trying to keep their sanity. They persist and play until the end of the hopscotch path: "Hold for three, then twist and jerk. / Cross the line, they count you out. / That's what hopping's all about" (10-12). The final struggle proves to be the one fought for the most, but there is no reward, the finishing goes unnoticed and unrecognized. Though the speaker has fought for their rights and has tried to make it through alive and strong, society does not grant the rights promised. However, there is some reward: "Both feet flat, the game is done. / They think I lost. I think I won" (13-14). Though the oppressed race has not been made equal to the oppressing whites, there is a victory. The symbol of finishing the game shows persistence and overcoming of struggle. The speaker is able to prove her ability to stand her ground and do whatever is in her power to stay there, making a bold statement towards white society of her capabilities.