11. The image portrays the labor of much
of humanity using the symbolism of a
laborer leaning upon his hoe,
burdened by his work, but receiving
rest or little reward.
It has been called the “Battle of
the cry for the next thousand
years”
12. That is the image of world
famous painting of a peasant
leaning on his hoe by Jean
Francois Millet which inspired
EDWIN MARKHAM, an
American poet in writing the
poem “THE MAN WITH THE
HOE”
13. The poem consists of 49 lines
divided into five stanzas focus on
the social commentary of
America’s working class and
sufferings. It is a striking poem of
protest against exploited labor.
14. The poem was first presented as a
public poetry at a New Years Eve
party in 1898, and published soon
afterwards.
The poem was translated into 37
languages earning Markham $250,
000 over 33 years.
15.
16. The poem was open to
different interpretations,
Some readers said that it was
advocating Socialism, some
were support of the concept
others were against it.