# Sinner explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

A humble, lonely, poor, and Black sinner cries out for mercy from the Lord, acknowledging their lowly state and sinfulness before God.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Identity and Oppression

The speaker identifies as 'Po’ an’ black', linking racial identity with humility and sinfulness in a plea for mercy.

### Poverty and Class Struggle

The speaker's poverty ('Po’') is explicitly stated as part of their humble and lonesome condition.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker, a poor, Black, humble, and lonesome sinner pleading for mercy.

### Jesus

Addressed as 'Lord' in the sinner's plea for mercy.

## Key lines

> Have mercy, Lord! Po’ an’ black An’ humble an’ lonesome An’ a sinner in yo’ sight. Have mercy, Lord!

Lord, please show me mercy. I am poor, Black, humble, lonely, and a sinner before you. Have mercy, Lord.

_A direct plea for divine mercy, emphasizing the speaker's marginalized and penitent state._

## Links

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