Response Questions

1. When did Langston Hughes first hear blues performed?

2. Hughes included music into his format for writing poems. How did he acquire this concept?

3. How was Walt Whitman an influence to Hughes?

4. What is the most popular stanzaic form used in the recorded blues? Explain what it means in your own words.

5. How did WC Handy "legitimize" the blues?

6. What was often controversial about the content of blues music?

7. What does the author say about contrast in "Homesick Blues"? Don't use her words, use your own to explain it.

8. What are some of the somewhat inappropriate content of blues songs and poems? Why is it a part of it?

9. What are some of Hughes' most popular themes?

10. Search online for one of Hughes' poems and identify some of the themes you read about in the essay. Explain what the theme is and how it could be considered a "blues poem". Print the poem and come to class prepared to explain your answer.