High on the hog

Everybody has that poem that speaks out to him or her when they read it. This makes them understand where the poet was coming from and how they emotions were at the time they decided to voice their feelings through a pen. When reading High on the Hog by Julia Fields I felt a connection that made me understand where she was coming from. Vocabulary really stood out in this poem with its rich and vivid content. With its historical context I felt like I endured the experiences from slavery and the challenges till this day. The message was clear as day it showed me I deserved what I earned.

First, the vocabulary she used was very imaginative it made you feel as though you could see the things she was talking about. The variety of words used to explain the emotions that were going through her head and how she felt about the situation she was in was very diverse. Her way of using metaphors and symbols made me realize what she wanted when she said she deserved to live “High on the Hog.” One quote from the poem that had all the qualities that grab me into it to continue reading was when she says “ I want aperitifs _ supreme baked Alaska” she uses food to describe what people living the “good life” would eat.

The historical context I found most intriguing.
While reading I could conclude she had the right to want more than what she got because of the harsh treatments of slavery her ancestors went through. She wanted to be equal with the “other” people who got their food served to them on a golden platter who didn’t have to fight for theirs. When she says “ oh, I’ve heard the Mau Mau screaming.” She was referring to the secret society in Africa helping their people I didn’t know of this until I went further with research.

The poem hit me in the head. She wanted the reader to understand why she deserved to be high on the hog. She earned the right to live good and wouldn’t have to worry anymore. Celebration was what she wanted. When she says “ been deprived _ have survived enough to eat high on the hog.” She wanted what was hers. She was tired of waiting.

When all is said and done the character was still fighting for her deserved caviar and shrimp soufflé. Reading High on the Hog the vocabulary pops at you it makes you see things you didn’t know you deserve. Historical context shows me I must fight for what is mine or I will be left with an empty bowl. The message was just as straight forward as the title I earned the right to live High on the Hog.