2. Think about the two specific stanzas that the blues singer sings in “The Weary Blues.” What happens in each of the stanzas? How does the contrast between the two songs reinforce the overall theme of the poem?

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In Langston Hughes' poem "The Weary Blues," the blues singer sings two specific stanzas, and each stanza depicts a different scene and expresses a different emotion. Let's examine each stanza and their respective themes:

1. In the first stanza, the blues singer performs a melancholic blues song, which takes place in a dimly lit bar:

Droning a drowsy syncopated tune,
Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon,
I heard a Negro play.
Down on Lenox Avenue the other night
By the pale dull pallor of an old gas light

In this stanza, the singer's music is described as a "drowsy syncopated tune," and he sways to a "mellow croon." The scene is set on Lenox Avenue, a street associated with African American culture during the Harlem Renaissance. The dimly lit atmosphere of the old gas light contributes to the weariness and somberness of the blues singer's performance, highlighting the struggles and hardships of the African American community.

2. In the second stanza, the mood shifts as the blues singer's performance takes the listener to a more vibrant and lively world:

He did a lazy sway. . . .
He did a lazy sway. . . .
To the tune o' those Weary Blues.
With his ebony hands on each ivory key
He made that poor piano moan with melody.

Here, the blues singer's playing transforms the atmosphere. The repetition of "he did a lazy sway" emphasizes the relaxed and captivating nature of his performance. The contrast between the earlier melancholic scene and this lively one reinforces the theme of the poem - the cathartic power of music to temporarily alleviate the woes and "weary blues" of life.

The contrast between the two stanzas, one depicting weariness and the other displaying the power of music, reinforces the overall theme of finding solace in music and art. It emphasizes that even in the midst of hardships, the expression of blues music can provide a source of comfort and liberation, a temporary escape from the weariness of existence.

To analyze the specific stanzas that the blues singer sings in "The Weary Blues" and understand how they reinforce the poem's overall theme, we need to look at the text itself. Here's how we can do it:

1. Find the text of the poem: Search for the complete text of "The Weary Blues" by Langston Hughes. You can use a search engine or access poetry websites to find the poem.

2. Identify the stanzas sung by the blues singer: In the poem, the stanzas sung by the blues singer are usually set apart from the rest of the text. Look for lines or stanzas that convey the singer's performance or distinguish themselves as a distinct song within the poem.

3. Read and comprehend the stanzas: Focus on these specific stanzas and understand the events or emotions conveyed within each one. Take note of any contrasting elements between the stanzas. Pay attention to the language, imagery, and tone used to express the singer's feelings.

4. Analyze the contrast between the two songs: Once you have a clear understanding of each stanza, compare and contrast the elements within them. Consider the differences in mood, imagery, language, or subject matter. Determine how these contrasts contribute to the overall theme of the poem.

5. Reflect on the overall theme: Consider the broader message or idea that the poet is conveying throughout the poem. Reflect on how the contrast between the two songs sung by the blues singer enhances or reinforces this theme. Look for connections and patterns between the stanzas and the poem's overall meaning.

By following these steps, you will be able to comprehend the specific stanzas sung by the blues singer in "The Weary Blues" and understand how the contrast between them contributes to the poem's theme.