Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Do Now: Read P. 991 and write 3 things you've learned about rent parties.
Review Heyday in Harlem focusing on the Whist or Rent Party.

The Weary Blues uses the syncopated tune of a piano, the rhythm of everyday speech, and the soulful rhythm of the blues. Listen to the poem.
1. What did you notice about Hughes’ use of sound in this poem? What kinds of sounds (especially vowel sounds) were repeated?
2. How does Hughes incorporate the song of the Negro piano player into his poem? Why does he set this song off with quotes?
3. Where do you see the influence of the blues in this poem? (Identify specific lines.)
The Mood changes with the Great Depression and Harlem written in 1930.


"Being black means being poor with little opportunity to earn more."
What are the words and images that create a particular mood in this poem?
Homework: Read The Negro Speaks of Rivers. Underline examples of repetition.