# The White Ones explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

A speaker addresses the white ones, acknowledging their beauty while questioning why they inflict torture and suffering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Identity and Oppression

The speaker directly confronts racial dynamics, acknowledging the beauty of the oppressor while questioning the violence inflicted upon them.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who addresses the white ones, expressing both admiration and anguish.

## Key lines

> I do not hate you, For your faces are beautiful, too.

I hold no hatred for you, because your faces are also lovely.

_The speaker asserts a lack of hatred despite the pain caused._

> Yet why do you torture me, O, white strong ones, Why do you torture me?

But why do you torment me, O powerful white people, why do you torment me?

_A direct plea questioning the reason for racial oppression._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/the-white-ones
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters