Here are the key social problems addressed in the poem:
- Dehumanization of Labor: The poem portrays the farm laborer as a mere tool, a "brother to the ox," suggesting that his individuality and humanity are lost amid his arduous labor.
- Poverty: The poem highlights the impoverished state of the laborer, his lack of basic necessities, and the harsh conditions under which he toils.
- Exploitation: The laborer's situation reflects the exploitation of the working class by the wealthy landowners and capitalist systems.
- Social Injustice: The poem critiques the social injustice that allows such exploitation to persist, where the fruits of the laborer's toil go to others while they live in poverty.
- Loss of Connection with Nature: The poem also touches upon the loss of the laborer's connection with the natural world, as his back-breaking labor alienates him from the land he works.
Through its powerful imagery and emotional language, "Man with Hoe" brings attention to the plight of the working class, challenging readers to confront and address these social issues.