we real cool
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WE REAL COOLBy Gwendolyn Brooks
BACKGROUND ON THE POET Gwendolyn Brooks is a black American
poet. Born in Kansas on 7 June 1917 and
educated in Chicago, United States of America.
Published first volume of verse in 1945, called A Street in Bronzeville which focuses on the Black urban poor.
Many of Brooks' works display a political element, especially from the 1960s and later, many reflects the civil rights activism of that period.
Died 3 December 2000.
WE REAL COOLThe Pool Players.Seven at the Golden Shovel.
We real cool. WeLeft school. We Lurk late. WeStrike straight. We Sing sin. WeThin gin. We Jazz June. WeDie soon.
STRUCTURE Subtitle and four couplets. Internal rhyme - words sink in, emphasis
on words in middle (also alliteration). Pause after each rhyme word (full-stop). Each word only one syllable. Enjambment – uncontrollable
recklessness of boys. Repetition of “We” at end of every line
except last = “We”, reinforces idea that they have no sense of themselves (no individuality)
SUBTITLE“The Pool Players.
Seven at the Golden Shovel.”
Golden Shovel is a pool hall in the South Side of Chicago late 1950’s
Irony – name of hall contrasts with aimless lives of boys *OXYMORON*
Seven: seven boys, lucky number (Seventh day of Rest after Creation – boys do not complete work)
Golden: symbolizes summer and youth HOWEVER, Shovel: relates to death
STANZA 1“We real cool. WeLeft school. We” We real cool – think it’s
cool to not care about their lives, happy-go-lucky lifestyle.
Left school – not attend or dropped out, don’t care about education.
STANZA 2“Lurk late. WeStrike straight. We” Lurk late – boys stay out late on the
streets and probably commit petty crimes.
Strike straight – habit of getting into fights.
STANZA 3“Sing sin. WeThin gin. We” Sing sin – wild life, actions
not associated with the norm or they curse a lot.
Thin gin – drink, abuse alcohol.
STANZA 4“Jazz June. WeDie soon.” June – month represents polite society
and authority figures. Jazz – boys rebel against June. THUS they rather listen to music, they
mock rules. Die soon – because of their reckless
lifestyle they will possibly die.
DICTION Diction is the words used by the poet. Reads like lyrics of a jazz tune, relaxed
atmosphere. Black lingo of 50’s used, breaks rules of
proper English (SLANG).
TONE NOT harsh and judgemental. Curious of boys’ thoughts. Thoughtful and sympathetic.
POET’S INTENT Why did the poet write this poem? The poet tries to imagine what boys
think of their own lives. Sympathizes and relates to them.
Youth is exposed to such lifestyles and choices
POET’S MESSAGE The poem explores
troubled teenagers. By continuing a
reckless and rebellious lifestyle you will eventually suffer the consequences.
If you look for trouble you will find it.
THEME Society excludes certain people -
Alienation Death
Group identity - there is a bond between these boys.
They want to be noticed, but also want to seem as if they don’t care – they are
insecure.
CLASS/HOMEWORK ACTIVITYAfter you have pasted in the poem, turn
to thenext blank page. Draw a graphic depiction (pictures) of the activitiesthe players take part in.
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