The Weary Blues
| by Langston Hughes | |
| First published in | 1925 |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) |
African-American poetry Jazz poetry |
| Publisher | Urban League magazine |
"The Weary Blues" is a poem by American poet Langston Hughes. Written in 1925, "The Weary Blues" was first published in the Urban League magazine, Opportunity. It was awarded the magazine's prize for best poem of the year. The poem was included in Hughes' first book, a collection of poems, also entitled The Weary Blues.
Langston Hughes was known as one of the most prominent and influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance, a rebirth movement of African Americans in the arts during the 1920s. He wrote about the world around him, giving a voice to African Americans during a time of segregation. Hughes was both a contributor and supporter of his fellow African-American writers. Collectively, they changed the way the world viewed African Americans because of their talents and ability to capture real life and turn it into art.
Hughes wrote of inequality ("I, Too, Sing America"), of resilience ("Mother to Son" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"), of pride ("My People"), of hope ("Freedom's Plow"), and of music ("The Trumpet Player" and "Juke Box Love Song"). He was the author of several novels, a memoir, song lyrics, children's books, plays, countless songs and more than 20 books.
"The Weary Blues" takes place at an old Harlem bar on Lenox Avenue. There is a piano player playing the blues. As he plays, the speaker observes his body movement and the tone of his voice. Throughout the poem, several literary devices are used to guide the reader through the mixture of emotions the blues player is feeling. The vivid imagery and use of language gives the reader a more personal glimpse into the life of the man playing the blues.
Throughout the poem there are several literary devices that help underline the theme and tone of the poem. One theme is the importance of music in everyday life. Music can be used to guide mixed emotions, express joy and happiness, describe personal issues or as a means to release anger and frustration. Hughes' "The Weary Blues" has been credited as one of the first poems to combine music and poetry.
Hughes highlights the elements of blues and jazz music throughout the entire poem. Words associated with music, melody and tune are used to describe the night, the blues and the piano player. The sound of the music is described as a "mellow croon" as the piano player sings the "tune o' those weary blues." The "raggy tune" and "melancholy tone" portray music that is sad, sobering, and grim.
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