Question

I need help answeringthis question about a poem. i will write the instructions below..Thank you

How does Martin Espada use imagery,setting, and figures of speech to convey the idea in " Latin Night at the Pawnshop"? the only problem i am having is understand what the idea of the poem is. once i figure this out i think i can answer the rest. Thanks for any help you can give me

"Latin Night at the Pawnshop"
by Martin Espada

Chelsea Massachusetts
Christmas 1987

"The apparition of a salsa band
gleaming in the Liberty Loan
pawnshop window:

Golden trumpet,
silver trombone,
congas maracas,tambourine,
all with price tags dangling
like the city morgue ticket
on a dead man's toe."

Answer 1

Make sure you are clear on the meanings of ALL the words in the poem. What is an "apparition"? I think that's probably the key -- once you understand that word, the rest should fall in place.

Let us know what you think.

=)

Answer 2

i understand that an apparition is a ghost like image. These are the thought that are goin hrough my head, its a lonley guy walking down the street on christmas, he sees this pawnshop with the instruments in the window. To him its a ghostlike band and he is signifing that the town is dead becasue on a traditional christmas there could actually be a full band playing music. the tone is very gloom and depressing. i think im on the write track i just need to bring all my thoughts to one thesis so i can expand on that

Answer 3

You are on the right track. Good for you.

Why do you think the poet makes these instruments into a "ghost band" -- and at Christmas, at that?

Why do you think the poet uses these words/terms and what do they contrast with?
>>Latin Night
>>gleaming
>>golden
>>silver

What do you think this phrase indicates?
<i>all with price tags dangling
like the city morgue ticket
on a dead man's toe</i>

??

Answer 4

http://a-s.clayton.edu/walkup/1102%20Online/1102%20Online/poetry2.htm

Scroll down and read #8.

Answer 5

gleaming golden and silver are all contrast with christmas. i still don't understand the significance of Latin Night other then the insturments are al found in lati bands and Martin Espada is latin, but hes living in Massachusettes. do Latino not celebrate christmas?

the phrase idicates the lifless city, noone is out no shops are open becasue it is christmas

Answer 6

is the idea that latin culture in america is dieing out? i can answer all the points i just can put one main idea together. i can gather that he can not afford the instruments, and/or also latin cultural is dieing out or latin music is dieing

Answer 7

It's all about contrast.

Let me know what you think after you read and answer the questions in #8 of the link I sent above.

Answer 8

As we know now, Latin culture is not dying, especially in the southern and SW border states, but maybe he's pointing out what he sees about Latin life in Massachusetts.

At Christmastime, what should you expect from a culture that loves music and color and festivals?

What is showing up in this poem?

Answer 9

What does this phrase indicates?

all with price tags dangling
like the city morgue ticket
on a dead man's toe

Answer 10

Every word in a poem is supposed to have meaning, but what does Chelsea, Massachusetts have to do with the poem? I know the word "liberty" has connotations with freedom, the statue of liberty, etc...the latin culture is having to sell their dreams to make it in America. How does Chelsea relate?

Answer 11

I teach English Literature. Please know that a huge population of Latinos live in Massachusetts. Instead of the place in the setting, look at the time of year. Why would someone pawn something at this time? Why is the items associated with the cultural band? Yes, the idea is selling out dreams of economic liberty, but why is it connected to this time of year...who was born and what did He represent...what is really lost...?

Answer 12

23

Answer 13

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Answer 14

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Answer 15

Chicken