The title of Alice Walker's short story "Strong Horse Tea" has several layers of

significance.

First, it literally refers to the herbal tea that Rannie Toomer, the story's protagonist,
brews in an attempt to cure her dying son, Snooks. The tea is made from the leaves of
a strong horse, and Rannie believes that it is powerful enough to heal Snooks.

On a figurative level, the title of the story can be seen as a metaphor for the strength
and resilience of Rannie as a mother. She is willing to do whatever it takes to save her
son, even if it means resorting to folk remedies that she does not fully understand.

The title of the story also suggests that Rannie is searching for something stronger than
herself to help her through her ordeal. She has already tried everything she knows to
save Snooks, but nothing has worked. In the end, she turns to the strong horse tea as a
last resort, hoping that it will give her the strength she needs to endure her son's death.

The title of the story is also significant because it reflects the theme of hope. Rannie
never gives up hope that Snooks will recover, even when all odds are stacked against
him. She continues to fight for his life until the very end, even when it becomes clear
that he is dying.

In conclusion, the title of Alice Walker's short story "Strong Horse Tea" has several
layers of significance. It is a literal reference to the herbal tea that Rannie brews to cure
her son, as well as a figurative metaphor for her strength and resilience as a mother.
The title also suggests that Rannie is searching for something stronger than herself to
help her through her ordeal, and it reflects the theme of hope.

Racial and Economic Disparities

“Strong Horse Tea”, at its core, is a heart-wrenching narrative that

underscores the racial and economic disparities that plague society.
Alice Walker masterfully weaves the tale of Rannie’s struggles and her
ultimate failure to save her child due to societal neglect and lack of
access to essential healthcare services.

Rannie’s story is a testimony to the relentless human spirit that

continues to hope and struggle despite overwhelming adversity.

Strong Horse Tea Themes

Maternal Love and Sacrifice

A profound theme in “Strong Horse Tea” is the manifestation of a

mother’s love, as embodied by Rannie. Despite her challenging
circumstances and the lack of available resources, Rannie’s love for her
son, Snooks, never falters. This love and concern drive her actions
throughout the story and demonstrate the lengths a mother will go to
protect her child.

Rannie’s ceaseless pursuit of medical help, her stubborn hope in the

face of adversity, and her eventual acceptance of Sarah’s
unconventional remedy are all fueled by her deep affection and
concern for Snooks.

When the realization hits that the doctor may never come, Rannie
musters the strength to consider other solutions, no matter how
distasteful they may seem.

Perhaps the most poignant depiction of Rannie’s maternal love is

when she ventures out in a storm to collect the “strong horse tea” in
her shoe. This scene shows her willingness to endure discomfort and
even humiliation for her child’s health.

Putting her mouth to the hole in her shoe to prevent the precious
liquid from escaping underlines her desperation and the extent of her
sacrifice.

Moreover, despite Sarah’s presence, Rannie’s anticipation for a real

doctor indicates her desire to provide the best for her son. Her initial
reluctance to use the folk remedy proposed by Sarah demonstrates
her hope and belief in the effectiveness of modern medicine, which
she perceives to be superior.
The tragic outcome of the story accentuates the theme of maternal
sacrifice. Even though Rannie’s efforts are ultimately in vain, her
struggle symbolizes the plight of countless mothers who, faced with
systemic neglect and societal indifference, fight fiercely for their
children’s survival.

Socio-economic Disparities and Injustice

“Strong Horse Tea” lays bare the harsh socio-economic disparities and
systemic injustice prevalent in the society depicted. The story revolves
around Rannie, an impoverished African American woman who
grapples with her son’s illness without support from society’s formal
institutions, specifically healthcare.

Rannie’s economic status constantly hinders her quest to secure

medical help for her sick child. Despite her desperate situation, her
appeals go unheard and unanswered. She writes numerous letters, but
her pleas are met with indifference and silence.

It highlights the societal neglect and discrimination faced by

individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those
within marginalized communities.

Furthermore, the fact that the doctor never arrives for Snooks, despite
his critical condition, underscores the racial discrimination deeply
embedded within society. The white-dominated healthcare system is
portrayed as callous and uncaring toward the plight of those on
society’s fringes.

This lack of response from the white mailman, who has to bring a
doctor, serves as a metaphor for the systemic racism that prevents the
marginalized from accessing essential services.
Moreover, Rannie’s acceptance of Sarah’s folk remedy and her
desperate attempt to collect the ‘strong horse tea’ amid a storm are
poignant reminders of the lengths marginalized individuals must go to
when left with no other options. These instances critique the societal
structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

Alice Walker’s “Strong Horse Tea” depicts the devastating

consequences of socio-economic disparities and systemic injustice.
Through Rannie’s story, the narrative sheds light on the societal
neglect and discrimination endured by marginalized communities,
illuminating the urgent need for social change and equity.

Resilience and Determination

Throughout “Strong Horse Tea,” the character of Rannie exemplifies

the themes of resilience and determination as she faces the dire
circumstances of her son Snooks’ illness. Despite the healthcare
disparities and the neglect she experiences, she remains resolute in
her attempts to help her child.

From the outset, Rannie demonstrates incredible strength and

persistence. The repeated rejection and lack of response to her pleas
do not deter her from trying to secure medical help for Snooks.

This dogged determination is a testament to Rannie’s character and

reflects the resiliency often exhibited by marginalized individuals in the
face of adversity.

Rannie’s resilience becomes more evident when she considers Sarah’s

alternative remedy for Snooks, the ‘strong horse tea.’ She initially
approaches this with reluctance.
However, despite her skepticism, Rannie is willing to explore all
possible solutions. This determination underscores her intense desire
to save her child’s life.

The act of venturing out into the storm to collect the mare’s urine, and
braving the harsh weather and the bitter reality of her circumstances,
reflects her tenacious spirit and the extent of her determination.

Furthermore, Rannie’s eventual return home, despite the tragic loss of

her child, represents the ongoing struggle for survival faced by
marginalized individuals. Her resilience is embodied in her
determination to endure, survive, and keep moving forward in the face
of devastating loss.