Monday, December 10, 2012

Poem for Black Boys

The first stanza is important because it tells the main issue; judging by the title of the poem, one can infer that the poem is directed towards little black kids. The speaker refers the "little black ones" as Indians. This is evident in lines two and three "You are the Indian you so disstainfully shoot Not the big bad sheriff on his faggotory white horse" Going back in history of the Indian or native Americans. They were the first settlers in America, and were invaded by Europeans. The effect from this shows that the Indians symbolize the little black boys because the neighborhood that they live in is theirs, they were there first, so how can someone come and invade them, tell them what to do, and how to think. Throughout the poem the speaker gives off a very sarcastic tone. Mainly because of the words that are written, and the way they are written. the effect from this indicates that maybe the speaker wanted the reader to see the ignorance within the little black boys.  This is indirectly present within the speakers sarcasm. However the speakers sarcasm is also truth, but how can ones ignorance be seen as truth. This shows that the truth that is presented is the speakers truth of the ignorance within the little black boys.  

1 comment:

  1. I like how you picked up o
    n the use of sarcasm in the poem. Which lines, specifically, communicate this sarcastic tone?

    Take a look at the overall poem. What is Giovanni trying to say? Why does she address black boys? What does she want them to take away from the poem?

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