"" (Benefield). Thomas and Beulah are ". a married black couple."" (Reviews) whose ".time spans from 1900-1969."" (Steffen 95). Dove's book tells of their lives in a period of historical turmoil ".both parents work in marginal jobs for low pay, Thomas in the Zeppelin factory, Beulah as a domestic and milliner, Thomas is eventually laid off in the depression, Beulah is disappointed in marriage and exhausted by maternity, and finally they grow ill and die, still in poverty."" (Vendler 78). The book was amazingly successful and influenced many.
After the shock of winning the Pulitzer, Dove received another outstanding honor. She was appointed as Poet Laureate of the United States of America. "It came totally out of the blue because most Poet Laureates had been considerably older than I. It was not some thing that I even had begun to dream about!- (AOINWRD 4). As poet laureate she was expected to raise the level of knowledge and appreciation of poetry. "[The position] offers someone as a spokesperson for literature and poetry."" (AOIWRD 4). The Poet Laureate is appointed by the Librarian of Congress and serves from October to May. There are a minimum amount of specific duties, so poets can freely work on any poems they wish to write, they are however expected to give an annual lecture on poetry. (About the Position of Poet Laureate). Because of these minimum required duties, each poet brings their own emphasis to the position, "Rita Dove brought together writers to explore the African Diaspora through the eyes of its artists. She also championed children's poetry and jazz with poetry events."" (About the Position of Poet Laureate). Dove says that she spent most of her time as Poet Laureate " educating young people in matters of poetry and bringing real poetry into real life. So by helping introduce people to poetry and widening the audience for poetry, I do think my term has served a more serious purpose.