Question

swaying to and fro on his rickety stool
he played that sad raggy tune like a musical fool.
sweet blues!
coming from a black mans soul.
o blues!
in a deep song voice with a melancholy tone
i heard that negro sing, that old piano moan—
\aint got nobody in all this world,
aint got nobody but ma self.
is gwine to quit ma frownin
and put ma troubles on the shelf.\

what is the effect of repeating the phrase \piano moan\ in the poem?

it sets a sad, mournful tone.
it adds a cheerful, melodic chord.
it adds an open, musical sound.
it sets an angry, discordant tone.

Explanation:

Analyze the poetic context

Using the Poetry Analysis and Harlem Renaissance Literature knowledge points, we examine Langston Hughes's poem "The Weary Blues." The excerpt describes a musician playing a "sad raggy tune" with a "melancholy tone."

Evaluate the phrase "piano moan"

Using the Blues Poetry Structure knowledge point, the word "moan" is an auditory image representing a low, mournful sound of pain or grief. Associating this action with a piano (personification) emphasizes the deep sorrow embedded in the music.

Determine the thematic effect

The repetition of "piano moan" reinforces the overall atmosphere of sadness, grief, and weariness. This directly establishes and deepens a sad, mournful tone throughout the piece, matching the first option.

Answer:

• (A) It sets a sad, mournful tone. (Correct answer)
• (B) It adds a cheerful, melodic chord.
• (C) It adds an open, musical sound.
• (D) It sets an angry, discordant tone.