Sojourner Truth, by Rebecca Jones. (PLAY)

Question

In easy terms, could you tell me:
In the play, Both Rebecca’s father and Sojourner Truth are influential, but neither of them appears in it. Why the playwright did not include these characters in the play’s action.
Thanks!

Answer 1

In the play "Sojourner Truth" by Rebecca Jones, the decision not to include characters like Rebecca's father and Sojourner Truth herself in the action might have been made for a few reasons:

1. Focus on Identity: The playwright may have wanted to emphasize Rebecca's perspective and personal journey without the direct influence of these characters. This allows the audience to see how Rebecca shapes her own identity and views.

2. Symbolic Presence: Even though they are not present, Sojourner Truth and Rebecca's father can symbolize important themes such as strength, struggle, and the pursuit of freedom. Their absence can create a sense of their influence lingering in the background.

3. Narrative Style: The playwright may have chosen a narrative style that relies on dialogue and interaction among the characters present, which could bring a more immediate and intimate experience for the audience.

4. Concentration on Conflict: By excluding these characters, the playwright could concentrate on the internal and external conflicts that Rebecca faces, showing her growth and challenges without overshadowing her story with other figures.

In essence, the absence of these influential characters allows for a more focused exploration of Rebecca’s character and her journey.

Answer 2

So, the attention is on Rebecca.... and everything that is going on... Very interesting view. Thanks

Answer 3

You're welcome! Yes, focusing on Rebecca and her experiences allows the audience to engage more deeply with her journey and the themes of the play. It can help highlight the challenges she faces and her personal growth. If you have more questions or need further insights about the play or its themes, feel free to ask!

Answer 4

Find 3 types of figurative language. Choose one and analyze the effect on the poem.

Fast as a cheetah,
I run through the fields. The wind
sings words of support.
I found Simile (Fast as a cheetah) Personalization (The wind sings words of support) But I do not see another one.
Can you find another one? Thanks.

Answer 5

Sure! In the excerpt you provided, we can identify three types of figurative language:

1. Simile: "Fast as a cheetah" compares the speaker's speed to that of a cheetah, using "as" to make the comparison.

2. Personification: "The wind sings words of support" gives human qualities to the wind, suggesting it can sing and provide encouragement.

3. Imagery: The phrase "I run through the fields" creates a visual picture in the reader's mind, evoking a sense of motion and openness that can stimulate the senses.

Analyzing the Effect of Personification

Let’s focus on the personification in the line "The wind sings words of support." This figure of speech has a significant effect on the poem:

• Emotional Connection: By attributing the human action of singing to the wind, it creates a sense of companionship and encouragement for the speaker. It suggests that nature is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the speaker's journey, providing emotional support.

• Mood Enhancement: The idea of the wind "singing" brings a positive, uplifting mood to the poem. It evokes feelings of warmth and inspiration, making the experience of running through the fields feel more joyous and affirming.

• Symbol of Freedom: The personification can also symbolize freedom and the idea that the natural world is cheering for the speaker. This adds depth to the imagery of running, suggesting that the act itself is not just physical but also an expression of liberation.

Overall, the use of personification enriches the poem, making it more relatable and emotionally impactful for the reader. If you need further analysis or have more questions, feel free to ask!

Answer 6

Ohhhh... Imagery... I see it! Thanks a million!

Answer 7

You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the explanation helpful. Imagery really adds depth and richness to poetry, allowing readers to visualize and feel the emotions in the text. If you have any more questions about poetry or anything else, just let me know. Happy reading!

Answer 8

Longing
by Paul Laurance Dunbar
Away
Away, away I would go if I could,
Perhaps to an overgrown sun-dapple wood,
Away, away I would fly in a flash,
If I thought peace awaited under a towering ash.

Away, away you would wish me go too,
If the only pain of my staying still was known to you,
Away, away you would bid me farewell,
And on the wellbeing, you'd never again dwell.

Explain in simple words/terms a conclusion you can draw from the Structure of "Away". Base that conclusion in part on the structure of the poem.

Answer 9

The structure of the poem "Away" by Paul Laurence Dunbar features a repetitive phrase, "Away, away," which creates a rhythmic and insistent tone throughout the piece. This repetition emphasizes the speaker's deep desire to escape their current situation.

Conclusion Based on Structure:

From the structure, we can conclude that the speaker is feeling trapped or overwhelmed by their circumstances and longs for freedom. The repeated calls to "go away" reflect a strong yearning for peace and relief from pain.

Additionally, the way the poem is broken into stanzas helps to highlight the speaker's emotions and thoughts. Each stanza builds on the idea of escape, suggesting that it's not just a fleeting wish but a serious longing for a different life, where they might find solace in nature.

Overall, the structure reinforces the theme of longing for escape and conveys the depth of the speaker's emotional struggles.

Answer 10

So the structure means the AABB?

Answer 11

Yes, exactly! The rhyme scheme you mentioned, AABB, refers to how the lines within each stanza rhyme with each other. In this case, it helps create a musical quality to the poem.

How the AABB Structure Contributes to the Poem:

1. Rhythm and Flow: The AABB structure gives a rhythmic quality that makes the poem more engaging and lends it a sense of continuity as the speaker expresses their feelings.

2. Emphasis on Emotion: The consistent rhyme pattern draws attention to the speaker’s emotions and reinforces the longing they feel. Each pairing of rhymed lines builds intensity as they express their desire to escape.

3. Clarity and Repetition: The rhyme helps to clearly present the ideas, making them memorable and reinforcing the central theme of wanting to get away from pain and find peace.

In summary, the AABB rhyme scheme works in tandem with the repeated phrases and overall structure of the poem to enhance the themes of longing and desire for escape. It helps create a strong emotional impact on the reader. If you have any further questions or need more clarification, feel free to ask!