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The American Tradition in Literature, Volume 2 Book Cover
The American Tradition in Literature, Volume 2, 10/e
George Perkins, Eastern Michigan University
Barbara Perkins, University of Toledo-Toledo


Essay Questions



Analysis



1

Identify the mood expressed in "The Weary Blues," "Song for a Dark Girl," and "Harlem." What accounts for the consistency?
2

Based on his poetry, what does Hughes see as the role of music in the "black experience"?

Interpretation



3

What does the seemingly compliant voice reveal lying behind the façade in "Dream Boogie"?
4

Discuss the metaphor of the "feet" in "Feet Live Their Own Life."

Evaluation



5

Why does the voice/narrator of "Dream Boogie" refrain from articulating the revelation behind the "boogie woogie"?
6

Why is Simple's exit from the bar contradictory or ironic? How is it consistent with some assumptions that you might draw from his situation?