What is the tone of Theme of English B?
At the beginning of "Theme for English B," the speaker uses an uncertain, questioning tone to describe the teacher's assignment to write a page about himself, asking if he can really produce something "true" since he's so different from the other students.
What is the main Theme of Theme for English B?
Major Themes in “Theme for English B”: Identity, creativity, and racism are major themes of this poem. Right from the beginning, the black speaker struggles to come up to the expectations of his white professor.
What is the setting of Theme for English B?
Though this poem is specifically set in Harlem, which is part of New York City, it doesn't stay in Harlem. Instead, the setting expands to include several places, reminding us that the issues confronted by this poem are ones that affect all of America, and perhaps, the world.
What literary devices are in Theme for English B?
Hughes makes use of several poetic techniques in 'Theme for English B'. These include but are not limited to personification, anaphora, and alliteration. The latter, alliteration, occurs when words are used in succession, or at least appear close together, and begin with the same sound.
Why is it called Theme for English B?
As we know from his mention of Bessie Smith and Bach in line 24, the speaker of this poem likes music. So, perhaps, the speaker is relating his page to themes in literature, and themes in music. After all, the two are similar.
What is the Theme for English B quizlet?
Also, he writes that his assignment will not fully represent him. Willingly or unwillingly, they both influence each other. In this way, all of his doubts, questions, and hesitations become his page for English B. Identity, creativity, and racism are major themes of this poem.
What are the main themes of Langston Hughes poems?
Langston Hughes' Poems: Major ThemesBlack Pride.Deportation and Cultural Heritage.Social Injustice and Fight for Equality.The American Dream.Racial Discrimination.Struggle and Suffering of Blacks.Dreams of African Americans in Hughes's Poems.The Importance of Music, Particularly Jazz and Blues.More items...•
What is the narrator's struggle in Theme for English B?
''Theme for English B'' by Langston Hughes In the poem, the narrator struggles with what it is like to be African-American in a world where African-Americans were seen as minorities and second-class citizens. Although it is a fictional piece, it could very much be about Hughes' own life.
How is personification used in Theme for English B?
The lines "Harlem, I hear you: hear you, hear me---we two---you, me, talk on this page" show personification because a city cannot actually hear someone. The line "Bessie, bop, or Bach" show both alliteration and allusion because it repeats the 'b' sound and it refers to two musical artists.
How is alliteration used in Theme for English B?
Although alliteration can be found in prose, this sound device is most common in poetry, as it is used to quickly and effectively establish a specific rhythm or mood. In ''Theme for English B,'' Hughes writes, ''I like a pipe for a Christmas present,/ or records– Bessie, bop, or Bach'' (lines 23-24).
Who is the speaker in the poem Theme for English B?
The speaker of "Theme for English B" is a college student, but he is not Langston Hughes. Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902, not in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as the poem says. He wrote the poem in 1946 and read it to audiences in Winston-Salem.
When did Hughes write English B Theme?
1951''Theme for English B'' is one of the most famous poems written by Harlem Renaissance era author Langston Hughes in 1951.
What are the main themes of Langston Hughes poems?
Langston Hughes' Poems: Major ThemesBlack Pride.Deportation and Cultural Heritage.Social Injustice and Fight for Equality.The American Dream.Racial Discrimination.Struggle and Suffering of Blacks.Dreams of African Americans in Hughes's Poems.The Importance of Music, Particularly Jazz and Blues.More items...•
What is the Harlem Branch Y in Theme for English B?
His walk sounds like it's a good mix of park and street, and, like any walk of a few blocks, it probably gives him time to clear his head and think about his class, his life, and his world. The "Y" that the speaker talks about is the Harlem YMCA.
Who wrote Theme for English B?
Langston HughesLangston Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the flowering of black intellectual, literary, and artistic life that took place in the 1920s in a number of American cities, particularly Harlem. A major poet, Hughes also wrote novels, short stories, essays, and plays....
What is the theme of English B?
Theme for English B by Langston Hughes. ‘Theme for English B’ is one of Langston Hughes’ best-known poems. It delves into themes of identity and race through the depiction of a black man’s writing assignment. Within ‘Theme for English B,’ Hughes creates a young, twenty-two-year-old narrator who speaks about his own experience as a black man in ...
What poetic techniques are used in theme for English B?
Hughes makes use of several poetic techniques in ‘Theme for English B’. These include but are not limited to personification, anaphora, and alliteration. The latter, alliteration, occurs when words are used in succession, or at least appear close together, and begin with the same sound.
What is personification in poetry?
Personification occurs when a poet imbues a non-human creature or object with human characteristics. It can be seen in the third line with “let that page come out of you,” as if the page has agency and the ability to make its own choices. It is described as crafting its own destiny.
What is the use of anaphora in the poem?
For example, “Bessie, bop, or Bach” in line twenty-six and “hear, Harlem, I hear” in line thirteen. Hughes also makes use of anaphora, or the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, usually in succession. This technique is often used to create emphasis.
How many lines are there in the theme for English B?
Structure of Theme for English B. ‘Theme for English B’ by Langston Hughes is a thirty-six line poem that is divided into stanzas of varying lengths. The shortest is only one line long and the longest is twenty lines. There is not a single pattern of rhyme that Hughes used to structure the entire poem, although the poem does contain rhyme.
How old is the narrator in theme for English B?
Within ‘Theme for English B,’ Hughes creates a young, twenty-two-year-old narrator who speaks about his own experience as a black man in a primarily white community. Despite having been written decades ago, this poem, like many others Hughes wrote, is still applicable to today’s society.
How many lines are in the third stanza?
The third stanza is ten lines long and contains the young speaker’s thoughts about the possibility of writing. He wonders if it’s likely that it’s “that simple” to write. He gives the reader bit of his background. The speaker is a young man, twenty-two years old, black, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He’s the only coloured student in his class. These facts set him apart from those around him. They make him wonder if he will be able to write.
What is the theme of the poem "Theme for English B"?
The theme of the poem "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes is the difference between the life experience of a Black person and a White person. By analyzing how life is both different and similar for him and his lecturer, the narrator drives home some powerful truths.
What is the theme of English B?
In Langston Hughes' poem, " Theme for English B ," I believe the theme deals primarily with the perceived difference between the white and black experience... and that it shouldn't be "a black and white" issue.
What is the theme of the poem "Let that page come out of you"?
The overriding theme of this poem, as with many of Hughes's poems, is the black American experience, how it relates to identity, and how it can make it difficult for white Americans to understand others. The speaker in this poem has been directed by a teacher to write an exercise for class in which he should simply "let that page come out of you," the idea being that the words that flow will then be "true." However, Hughes contemplates in this poem whether this is as true for him, a black American, as it might be for "you," the teacher, who is a representative of wider white society and who is "somewhat more free."
What is the theme of English B?
''Theme for English B'' is one of the most famous poems written by Harlem Renaissance era author Langston Hughes in 1951. The poem was written shortly before the start of the Civil Rights Movement. It is written from the first-person perspective of an African-America student who was given the assignment to write a piece about his life. In the poem, the narrator struggles with what it is like to be African-American in a world where African-Americans were seen as minorities and second-class citizens. Although it is a fictional piece, it could very much be about Hughes' own life. The poem is written in a free-verse style with various patterns woven throughout that help the poem flow. The poem is a classic example of Hughes' unique writing style.
How many lines are there in the beginning of the poem?
At the beginning of the poem, there are four lines if italicized text. In this, the teacher is giving her students (including the narrator) an assignment to write a theme paper that is true to who they are. The remainder of the poem moves through the narrator's journey home from school and his internal struggle with what it is like to be African-American in an academic setting that is predominantly white.
How old is the narrator in the first body stanza?
The first main body stanza tells us that the narrator is a 22-year-old African-American male living in Harlem, New York. He is the only African-American student in his class at school. When he leaves the classroom, he walks down a hill into Harlem. We learn that he lives at the Harlem YMCA. At the end of this stanza, he sits down to write his paper.
What is the contrast between races in the poem?
Contrast between Races: In the first half of the poem, the narrator (a young, African-American male) lists ways that he is different from his classmates and professor. The strongest example of this comes when he states that he is ''...the only colored student in my class.'' Hughes does not write about the difference between races as a bad thing, just facts.
What does the narrator realize in the next stanza?
He comes to realize that he is ''what I feel and see and hear.'' Although he continues to struggle with his identity in this stanza, we learn that he feels deeply connected to both Harlem and New York.
What is the theme of the poem "Theme for English B"?
The poem's themes include race, place and the relationship between a student and teacher.
Who is the speaker of theme for English B?
The speaker of "Theme for English B" is a college student, but he is not Langston Hughes. Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902, not in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as the poem says. He wrote the poem in 1946 and read it to audiences in Winston-Salem. The poem is set in an earlier time, likely the 1920s, when Hughes moved to Harlem in New York City and joined the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was an African-American art and cultural movement in the early 20th century.
What does Hughes mean by "bessie"?
He compares what he has in common with his older white instructor, including getting a pipe as a Christmas gift and records including "Bessie, bop, or Bach." Bessie refers to Bessie Smith, "Empress of the Blues" in the 1920s. Bop is a style of jazz also popular at that time, and Bach refers to the classical composer.
Does the theme for English B rhyme?
Parts of "Theme for English B" rhyme and parts do not . The poem has a similar form to a college English essay. The assignment comes first: "Go home and write/a page tonight. And let that page come out of you/then it will be true." The speaker asks, "I wonder if it's that simple?" The rest of the stanza in his voice, which is African-American, does not rhyme. The poem concludes with rhyming lines which end with "me" and "free," and the last line: "This is my page for English B."
What is the theme of English B?
He is told to write a page about whatever comes to his mind as long as it’s true. Hughes, however, portrays the writer’s dilemma and uncertainty about what to write and what is necessarily true. Ultimately, the author provides a wide of range of audiences, from the African American youth to college students today, with a glimpse of how he perceives life and his interpretation of the assignment. In the poem, Langston Hughes not only touches upon the African American struggle for equality but through imagery, style, language, tone and repetition, he also dramatizes the inner thoughts of the colored student. Although he is different physically, he possesses the same human characteristics as his classmates and the instructor.
What is the tone of the poem "This is my page for English B"?
The tone the author takes in the poem could be described as a bit ironic, and regretful. In the beginning, the speaker wonders if the assignment is really as simple as it seems but he ends the poem by simply stating that “This is my page for English B” (41). The speaker also is split between two aspects of his life. First of all, he is different than others in his class because he is black but he is also an American, which makes him the same as everyone else. “You are white–yet a part of me, as I am part of you. That’s American…That’s true” (31-33). Nevertheless, the poem ends with a sense of regret. Even though the student and the instructor are the same because they are both Americans, the instructor is still “more free” than him.
What is the importance of a poem?
One of the important components of the poem is its style, and language. Even though the poem starts out with the end rhymes and perfect rhymes, it is mostly written in free verse with Jazz like rhythm. The language of the poem is simple and straightforward as well, which makes it easier to understand and relate to. Also one can learn a lot from
Who was Langston Hughes' primary audience?
The primary audience for the poem could be seen as the speaker’s instructor and classmates, for whom he first wrote the poem. The audience could also have been the African American population of Harlem, where Langston Hughes resided for much of his life. However, the secondary audiences (or addressees now) could be seen as the college students either analyzing the poem in their writing class, African American studies class, or those pursuing poetry in general. In any case, this poem could be seen as a historical piece educating future generations about our past.
Was Hughes' poem criticized?
However, even after such invigorating attempts by the author to illuminate on black experiences, his poem was met with mixed reactions. Hughes work was criticized by black critics who protested that his work only focused on the “unattractive view of black life.” However, Hughes was praised by many critics as well. “Hughes refused to differentiate between his personal experience and the common experience of
What is the theme of English B?
Explain the poem "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes. The poem "Theme for English B" is a meditation by the speaker on a one-page essay assigned by his professor. The professor says that as long as it comes from themselves, whatever the students write will be true. The speaker, who is black, notes the racial divide between his professor ...
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is forthright and honest. When the assignment is given, the poet never questions it. It is assigned, and he will complete it. He feels the necessity to write it. The key to the poem is the two forces at work: he is the only black student in the class; and the white instructor’s ability to understand the student.
What is the theme of the poem "The Student"?
The poem’s theme can be interpreted as the student’s search to express himself and understand his identity, within himself, within his community, and in relation to white people. Further Reading: The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes.
What is the style of the poem "I wonder if it's that simple"?
The poem is free verse and begins with an informal and conversational style. The lines flow like ordinary speech, as if the student were speaking directly to the professor instead of writing. After reviewing the assignment, the student seems hesitant, musing, “I wonder if it’s that simple?” to assert his identity and place in the world in a way that’s true.
Is grading subjective in English?
One of the oddities in an English class is that the grading is most often subjective. If a teacher grades an essay or a poem, there are standards to base a grade, but there is always an element of subjectivity that the student must understand will be used in the evaluation of the work.
Is a poem free verse?
The poem is basically free verse and in no particular form. On the other hand, as the poet progresses through his assignment, he becomes stronger and more confident. He does begin to have some rhyming toward the end of the poem. The appearance and scope of the poem develop as he talks with confidence in the poem to his teacher.
What is the mood of the theme for English B?
In the case of 'Theme for English B,' the mood might be described as insightful, as the young student Hughes is reflecting on the situation and attempting to make sense of his mixed emotions . Assuming that many African American college students in his day might read the poem and be reassured by the poet's attitude and insight, we might also call the mood inspiring. Though tone and mood are not exactly the same, the good news is that the same words can be used to describe both elements. The poet consciously seeks to share his insight and inspiration with his readers.
What is a theme poem?
Theme. Don't be confused by two different uses of the term theme. In the title of this poem, a theme is a composition or essay, usually written for a class. Now let's talk about theme as a literary term referring to an underlying message that pervades the content of a story or poem. When we speak of the theme of a poem, ...
What is internal integration in poetry?
The noun phrase internal integration could be another way to express the theme of Hughes' poem. Tone. When you read a story or poem, you usually feel some emotions, or get a particular impression from the reading.
What is a theme in literature?
Theme can also be expressed by a form of verb called a present participle, a verb form that can be used as a noun. For example, the term 'finding home' might be a theme for a story or poem about a child being adopted after years in foster care. See how themes can make clear the message behind a work of literature?
What are some examples of words that express themes?
Words to express theme can be concept nouns, for example: identity, love, or confusion . These concept nouns help us to see some commonality in the poem, helping us understand the thoughts and feelings of the writer. Theme can also be expressed by a form of verb called a present participle, a verb form that can be used as a noun.
Who was the poet who played an important role in the Harlem Renaissance?
The poet consciously seeks to share his insight and inspiration with his readers. Langston Hughes was an American poet who played an influential role in the movement called the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote poems and prose that often reflected the joys and sorrows of African American life.
What is the emotional impression?
We call the emotional impression on the reader mood, a term that is easy to remember because we use the term in everyday speech. The literary term tone is like the other side of a the same coin, referring to the ways in which the writer creates that emotional impression for the reader.
