Analyzing Different Interpretations of a Sonnet

Question 1

The speaker in "Harlem" contemplates

Revolt · Accepted Answer

the fate of aspirations that are unrealized.

Question 2

Which lines from "The Weary Blues" suggest that the speaker is impressed by the musician?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

With his ebony hands on each ivory keyHe made that poor piano moan with melody.

Question 3

Read the excerpt from "The Weary Blues." Ain't got nobody in all this world, Ain't got nobody but ma self.I’s gwine to quit ma frownin' And put ma troubles on the shelf.What is the effect of repeating the phrase “ain't got nobody” in the poem?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the theme of sorrow and melancholy in the poem.

Question 4

Read the poem “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay. If we must die—let it not be like hogsHunted and penned in an inglorious spot,While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,Making their mock at our accursed lot.If we must die—oh, let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shedIn vain; then even the monsters we defyShall be constrained to honor us though dead!Oh, Kinsmen! We must meet the common foe;Though far outnumbered, let us still be brave, And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow!What though before us lies the open grave?Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack,Pressed to the wall, dying, but—fighting back!Which best describes the speaker in this poem?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

a motivator who encourages readers to fight oppression

Question 5

Read this line from "Harlem." Or does it explode?Read this line from "The Weary Blues."Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.What sense do both of these lines rely on?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

the sense of hearing

Question 6

Read the poem “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay. If we must die—let it not be like hogsHunted and penned in an inglorious spot,While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,Making their mock at our accursed lot.If we must die—oh, let us nobly die So that our precious blood may not be shedIn vain; then even the monsters we defyShall be constrained to honor us though dead!Oh, Kinsmen! We must meet the common foe;Though far outnumbered, let us still be brave, And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow!What though before us lies the open grave?Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack,Pressed to the wall, dying, but—fighting back!What sentence best conveys the speaker’s message?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

There is honor in dying courageously.

Question 7

What is one difference in the way sensory details are used in "Harlem" and "The Weary Blues"?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“Harlem” uses all five senses, while “The Weary Blues” relies mainly on the sense of sound.

Question 8

What is one difference in the themes of "Harlem" and "The Weary Blues"?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“Harlem” conveys resentment, while “The Weary Blues” shows expression.

Analyzing Different Interpretations of a Sonnet Answers

More from this Course

TRY EDGENUITY HACKS