Explication

Sample Solution

Part One: Explication of "A Study of Reading Habits"

What kind of poem did the author expect?

Based on the title, "A Study of Reading Habits," the author likely expected a poem about someone's reading preferences, perhaps an introspective piece exploring their favorite books, genres, or reading routines. The title implies a thoughtful and intellectual engagement with literature.

What kind of poem did he get?

Instead, the author encountered a poem in a completely different style. It's characterized by "slangy, even vulgar language" and focuses on a different kind of "reading" – deciphering the world around them through observations and experiences. This creates a significant discrepancy between the expected and actual content, which the author explores throughout the explication.

How did the author organize the essay?

The author's explication follows a clear structure:

1. Introduction: Sets up the initial expectation based on the title and highlights the surprising contrast with the poem's actual content.
2. Analysis of the poem's language: Examines how specific words and phrases contribute to the poem's "vulgar" and "direct" tone.
3. Exploration of the poem's message: Analyzes how the poem uses everyday experiences to convey a deeper understanding of life.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the main points and reiterates the poem's effectiveness in subverting expectations.

Full Answer Section

This organization guides the reader through the author's analysis, building upon the initial surprise and showing how the poem achieves its meaning through its unique style and message.

Part Two: Explication of "Harlem"

Title: A Dream Deferred

Main Idea:

Langston Hughes' "Harlem" explores the devastating consequences of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations within the Black community, particularly in Harlem. The poem uses powerful imagery and metaphors to depict the frustration, anger, and potential for explosive violence that can arise when dreams are deferred for too long.

Structure:

The poem is written in free verse, lacking a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This reflects the raw emotions and free-flowing thoughts evoked by the central theme. The use of short lines, often punctuated by spaces, creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the weight of each word.

Literary Devices:

• Metaphor: Throughout the poem, dreams are metaphorically compared to fruits ("What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?") and bombs ("Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.") These metaphors vividly portray the potential for decay and explosion when dreams are neglected.
• Simile: The repeated line "Or does it explode?" compares the deferred dream to a bomb, emphasizing the potential for violent release of pent-up frustration.
• Diction: Hughes uses strong, evocative language like "dry up," "heavy load," and "explode" to convey the intensity of the emotions associated with unfulfilled dreams. He also employs colloquial language like "sausage" and "smells like rotten meat" to create a sense of rawness and immediacy.

Author's Background:

Langston Hughes was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that celebrated Black culture and addressed societal issues like racial discrimination. His own experiences with prejudice and injustice likely influenced the themes explored in "Harlem."

Conclusion:

"Harlem" utilizes powerful metaphors, similes, and evocative language to deliver a poignant message about the dangers of deferred dreams. By connecting the poem's themes to Langston Hughes' background and the historical context of the Harlem Renaissance, we gain a deeper understanding of the poem's social commentary and its lasting impact.

Note: This is a sample explication of "Harlem." You can further develop and refine it by adding specific examples from the poem, supporting your analysis with textual evidence, and conducting further research on the Harlem Renaissance and Hughes' personal experiences. Remember to properly cite any external sources used.