I still don't understand the tone of the poem 'Harlem'. I went through all the links but couldn't figure it out...can i please get an explanation?

Thanks
-MC

User Icon for Writeacher Writeacher answered
14 years ago

If you know nothing about the poet, then the poem might not make sense. Read about Langston Hughes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langston_Hughes
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem_Renaissance

Then -- http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guides4/harlem.html

Let us know what you learn, what you think.

User Icon for GuruBlue GuruBlue answered
14 years ago

MC -- did you look at the particular words I suggested....

User Icon for mysterychicken mysterychicken answered
14 years ago

I think the tone of this poem shows frustration as it describes the white opression of blacks in America.

-MC

User Icon for GuruBlue GuruBlue answered
14 years ago

Frustration is a good place to start.

I think discouragement... "heavy load"
also anger "explode".

User Icon for bobpursley bobpursley answered
14 years ago

The author’s attitude, stated or implied, toward a subject. Some possible attitudes are pessimism, optimism, earnestness, seriousness, bitterness, humorous, and joyful. An author’s tone can be revealed through choice of words and details.

I see frustration as the tone. Tone is not revealed so much as what the poem describes, but in the word usage, and how it is described. Remember in sarcasm, the tone is a second layer of the words used. So I agree with your, the tone is frustration.

User Icon for mysterychicken mysterychicken answered
14 years ago

Thank you guys (:

-MC

User Icon for Writeacher Writeacher answered
14 years ago

Definitely anger!!