which lines from the weary blues suggest that the speaker is impressed by the musician? down on lenox avenue the other night by the dull pale pallor of an old gas light with his ebony hands on each ivory key he made that poor piano moan with melody. in a deep voice with a melancholy tone thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.
Which lines from “The Weary Blues” suggest that the speaker is impressed by the musician?
Answer:
Langston Hughes’ poem “The Weary Blues” vividly captures a scene with a blues musician, and certain lines highlight the speaker’s admiration for the musician. These lines, imbued with deep descriptive imagery and emotive language, suggest that the speaker is indeed impressed by the musician’s performance.
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“With his ebony hands on each ivory key”
- This line not only reflects the physical act of playing the piano but also creates a powerful visual contrast between the musician’s hands and the piano keys. The choice of “ebony” and “ivory” emphasizes the beauty and skill involved in the performance.
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“He made that poor piano moan with melody”
- Here, Hughes uses personification to describe the piano’s response to the musician’s touch, evoking a sense of depth and emotion. The idea that the musician can make the piano “moan” expresses a profound connection between the performer and his instrument, indicating the musician’s talent and fluency in conveying emotion.
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“In a deep voice with a melancholy tone”
- The description of the musician’s “deep voice with a melancholy tone” enhances the emotional impact of the performance. The speaker is moved by the sadness in the musician’s voice, suggesting a deep appreciation for the emotional complexity conveyed.
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“Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.”
- This repetitive and rhythmic line captures the steady beat being kept by the musician. The steady “thump” adds to the overall sensory experience of the performance, indicating the speaker’s sense of immersion in the music.
Final Answer:
The lines “With his ebony hands on each ivory key,” “He made that poor piano moan with melody,” “In a deep voice with a melancholy tone,” and “Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor” suggest that the speaker is genuinely impressed by the musician. These lines collectively paint a vivid picture of the musician’s skillful and emotionally evocative performance, reflecting the speaker’s deep appreciation and admiration.