Question

which lines from \the weary blues\ suggest that the speaker is impressed by the musician?

down on lenox avenue the other night
by the dull pale pallor of an old gas light

with his ebony hands on each ivory key
he made that poor piano moan with melody.

in a deep voice with a melancholy tone

thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks which lines from Langston Hughes's poem "The Weary Blues" suggest that the speaker is impressed by the musician's ability or performance.

Evaluate the options

Using the Poetry Analysis and Harlem Renaissance Literature knowledge points:

• Option 1: "Down on Lenox Avenue the other night / By the dull pale pallor of an old gas light"

This setting description establishes the location and atmosphere but does not convey the speaker's admiration for the musician.

• Option 2: "With his ebony hands on each ivory key / He made that poor piano moan with melody."

The phrase "moan with melody" highlights the musician's skill in coaxing deep, expressive music from a "poor piano," showing the speaker is captivated and impressed by his musical talent.

• Option 3: "In a deep voice with a melancholy tone"

This describes the quality and mood of the musician's voice rather than the speaker's reaction or sense of being impressed.

• Option 4: "Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor."

This is an onomatopoeic description of the physical rhythm of the performance, not an expression of the speaker's appreciation.

Select the correct option

Option 2 is the only choice that directly reflects the speaker's positive impression of the musician's artistic mastery.

Answer:

• (A) Down on Lenox Avenue the other night / By the dull pale pallor of an old gas light
• (B) With his ebony hands on each ivory key / He made that poor piano moan with melody. (Correct answer)
• (C) In a deep voice with a melancholy tone
• (D) Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.