# Cora explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

Cora expresses the pain of a broken heart, vowing to shut men out after being mistreated by those she loves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Loss

Cora's heartbreak and vow to shut out love reflect the pain of lost affection and betrayal.

## Character check-ins

### Cora

Speaker who laments a broken heart and resolves to guard herself from future mistreatment.

## Key lines

> Cora I broke ma heart this mornin’. Ain’t got no heart no mo’.

Cora declares her heart is shattered and feels emotionally empty.

_Opens with a stark confession of emotional devastation._

> Next time a man comes near me Gonna shut an’ lock ma door Cause they treats me mean⁠— The ones I loves. They always treats me mean.

She vows to protect herself by refusing future romantic advances, citing a pattern of cruelty from those she loves.

_Reveals a defensive resolve born from repeated mistreatment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/cora
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters