What is the main Theme in Theme for English B?

Race, Identity, and Belonging. “Theme for English B” is a poem about the complexities of identity in a racist society. Its speaker—a black student at Columbia University in the 1950s—receives an apparently straightforward assignment: to write one page about himself.

What kind of poem is Theme for English B?

free verse
“Theme for English B” is written in free verse—it stays the track of no one rhythmic pattern; it has no regular rhyme scheme. It does, however, establish patterns. The instructor’s homework assignment, for instance, is in an aabb rhyme pattern.

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 is Langston Hughes attitude in Theme for English B?

In the case of “Theme for English B”, Hughes first attitude towards his assignment to “Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you.. . ” seems to be somewhat bemused and perplexed. It’s obvious his instructor thinks this is a simple assignment. Hughes is sure it isn’t.

What does Bessie BOP Bach mean?

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.

Is there a metaphor in Theme for English B?

The line “Bessie, bop, or Bach” show both alliteration and allusion because it repeats the ‘b’ sound and it refers to two musical artists. The metaphor builds you up towards his main idea of race and equality by saying that they are all one and the same.

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).

Where is the shift in the poem 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 is Bessie BOP or Bach?

Bessie Smith was a famous blues singer, bop was a popular kind of jazz, and Bach was a classical composer.

What is the author’s tone in Theme for 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.

Who wrote Theme for English B?

Langston Hughes
Theme for English B by Langston Hughes | Poetry Foundation.