Here's a breakdown of the poem's meaning:
Questioning Authority: The poem opens with the worker asking a series of questions, each beginning with "Who built Thebes of the seven gates?" This repetition establishes a pattern of questioning and highlights the worker's search for truth and understanding. By questioning the construction of Thebes, the worker challenges the traditional narratives that often attribute great achievements to powerful individuals or mythical figures, suggesting that it was in fact the collective labor of the workers that built the city.
Exploitation and Alienation: The poem delves into the worker's experience of alienation from their labor and the fruits of their efforts. The worker asks who profited from their hard work and who owns the palaces and cities that they have constructed. This critique of exploitation highlights the disparity between the workers' contributions and the wealth accumulated by the ruling class.
Injustice and Suppression: The worker questions why the rulers remain in power despite the workers' vital role in society. The poem points to the mechanisms of oppression, such as the military and the state, which maintain the existing order and prevent the workers from challenging the status quo.
Search for Solidarity: The worker recognizes the need for collective action and solidarity among the working class. They ask if the workers are divided, implying that unity is crucial for challenging the oppressive system. The poem emphasizes the importance of recognizing shared struggles and working together for social change.
The Role of the Intellectuals: In the final stanza, the worker confronts the role of intellectuals and artists. The worker asks why these individuals do not provide answers or offer guidance to the workers in their struggle. This critique suggests a gap between the intellectual elite and the working class and highlights the need for intellectuals to engage with and support the workers' cause.
Overall, "Questions From A Worker Who Reads" serves as a powerful critique of class inequality and exploitation. It encourages workers to question their role in society and calls for collective action and solidarity as the means to achieve social justice and liberation. The poem challenges traditional narratives of history, emphasizes the importance of workers' contributions, and urges intellectuals to engage with the struggles of the working class.