'I Have A Dream' - Dreaming Black Boy Blog
Explain the possible meanings of the
poem’s title
How would you describe the boy’s
experience?
Select any TWO literary devices used
by the poet and show how effectively these were used to convey meaning.
Why does the writer accept defeat in
the last stanza?
Describe the poet’s attitude to
the subject he addresses.
What does 'torch throwers of night' in line 22 suggest?
The poet’s attitude to the subject he addresses was very melancholy and with a feeling of want or yearning.
ReplyDeleteVery good, Ariana!
DeleteMs. Willie
'Torch throwers of night' suggest that he was being oppressed, and it would also suggest that he was being driven out.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, the torch throwers are referencing the Ku Klux Klan who usually torched/burned down African-American business establishments, houses, etc.
DeleteHow would you describe the boy’s experience?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, he was going through what every other black person in those times went through. His experiences can be deemed as unfair and downright racist when compared to the experiences of his white counterparts. He was neither seen nor heard beyond the colour of his skin. He was treated less-than because he did not look a certain way.
Leandre' Riggon
Well done, Leandre'!
DeleteMs. Willie
The title suggests that a boy has hopes and desires and is struggling because of his race.
ReplyDeleteVery good, Chrisan. It could also suggest that the only thing he can do is dream as the reality of it all seems unattainable for now.
DeleteMs. Willie
The writer probably sounds defeated in the last chapter because the dreaming black boy wasn't born privileged because of his skin colour and will continue to get discriminated for something he can't change.
ReplyDelete- Jada Wright
DeleteI agree. He probably feels defeated because despite his pleads for the world to change, the world will remain the same.
DeleteWell written, Jada and Zoe!
DeleteMs. Willie
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFaith Brown
ReplyDelete1)How would you describe the boy’s experience?
I personally think his experiences have been very bad and maybe even slightly traumatic. He seems very neglected by the outside world for example sting he doesn't want the teacher to look past him. Based on the poem he seems ostracized by not only his peers and teachers. But the world itself as a whole.
2)What does 'torch throwers of night' in line 22 suggest?
This suggest the terrorist organization the KKK or Ku Klux Klan who despised black people . They would wear full white pyjamas with a triangluar shaped mask covering thier face. They would carry burning crosses with them.
Excellent, Faith! You covered the question eloquently and sufficiently!
DeleteMs. Willie
A literary device that was used in the poem was repetition. In the poem, the persona constantly repeats the phrase " I wish". This shows that he is yearning and desperately wishing for something such as a little attention and acceptance from his teachers. It also shows that although the persona believes in his wishes and dreams they may not happen as not all dreams come true..
ReplyDeleteGood point! I wish I knew the name of the student who commented, but very well said.
DeleteMs. Willie
Two literary devices used in the poem were repetition and allusion. The constant use of the phrase 'I wish' puts emphasis on the boy's strong yearning for the same opportunities that like white counterparts without the unfair bias that is placed unto him due to his skin color. Allusion is a way of indirectly referencing something, and in this poem there are multiple allusions throughout. Like the underlining comments on Paul Robenson, a black man who throughout his life gained immense success in various lines of work such as singer, actor, footballer etc. This man is an inspiration to this boy mainly for the fact that he achieved those things while having the same skin color as him.
ReplyDeleteOlivia Bernard
Excellent, Olivia and I love that you remembered the Paul Robeson allusion.
DeleteMs. Willie
Good morning miss, please omit one of the literary devices please. I didn't see the emphasis on 'any' in the question and I can't edit the comment. I apologize miss.
DeleteThat is quite fine, student.
DeleteMs. Willie
I would say the boy's experience is one that is very sad and heartbreaking because no one should be in a situation where they feel less than and they feel as if they are not wanted especially a child.
ReplyDeleteJada-Lee Hurge
DeleteI agree, Jada-Lee and to be rejected by a teache because of his skin brings to light that his experience in the classroom symbolizes his daily life, being rejected or stereotyped.
DeleteMs. Willie
What does 'torch throwers of night' in line 22 suggest?
ReplyDelete'Torch throwers of night' in line 22 is an allusion making reference to the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) a white supremacist group that targets black people. He wishes that members of the KKK would burn the light for positive things, making the world a better place than bringing about death and sorrow.
-Kadel Grant
Kadel, you are absolutely right and considering that the KKK tormented people of color for years makes him long for change which can begin with his tormentors.
DeleteMs. Willie
-Gabriella Harry
ReplyDeleteWhy does the writer accept defeat in the last stanza?
I think that the writer accepted defeat in the last stanza because he was coming to terms with how the world worked and how things already were. Maybe he started realizing that even if he succeeded he would still be seen in the same way.
-Gabriella Harry
You are so right, Gabriella, and it's most unfortunate that he has to accept that narrative when all he wants is acceptance.
DeleteMs. Willie
Karleah Beharrie
ReplyDeleteThe title suggests that the boy has high hope , dreams and aspirations . The fact that his colour is mentioned in the title suggests that the poem is also about a boy who suffers discrimination because of his race.
Well written, Karleah! The poet intentionally mentions the colour of the boy's skin to illustrate that he represents a race that encounters the same racially profiled, stereotyped routine throughout their lives.
DeleteMs. Willie
Question 2) How would you describe the boy's experience?
ReplyDeleteIn the poem the boy seems to be experiencing the life of a black person in a racist country. He wishes that he would be able to get hugs to say congratulations, education at the highest levels and to be able to travel without being looked on strangely. He seeks the normalization of opportunities and success for himself. ~ Janeika James
Very good, Janeika!
DeleteMs. Willie
1) The title "Dreaming Black Boy" could be interpreted quite literally as a black boy who had a dream. This dream however, is not the kind you have when you sleep, this dream could be likened to a hope, a wish or a even goal. So the poem could mean a black boy with dreams, hopes or wishes.
ReplyDelete6) "Torch throwers of the night" is referring to the infamous hate group called the Ku Klux Klan or the KKK as this group is group is known for carrying torches at night while wearing long white gowns resembling pajamas. The primary target for this hate group is black people, which is mostly likely the reason the author referenced it.
Kayandra Gooden-Smith
Very nicely executed, Kayandra! I couldn't have said it better myself.
DeleteMs. Willie
Question 6- this entire stanza references the KKK. This line suggests that the KKK would typically commit their acts of arson by night.
ReplyDeleteThis could be because they did not want to be disturbed, they did not want the possibility of any onlookers or simply because the members had to work during the day ~ Annaliese Gordon
Very good, Annaliese!
DeleteMs. Willie
Nastacia Rodney
ReplyDeleteThe title the dreaming black boy signified alot of escape. Escape for his reality or what was generational. His wishes and his dreams were to have the life that he did not have yet deserves. The black boy had alot of hope planted in his dreams to become something more if he had the opportunities.
~Alleca Hutchinson
ReplyDeleteWhy does the writer accept defeat in the last stanza?
I think he accepted defeat because he saw it as pointless to wish for something that'll continue for generations to come.