Style, or the manner of writing, involves how something is said rather than what is said. Elements like structure, figurative language, and sound devices contribute to style. Reread lines 1-7. Identify and explain the elements of style you find in those lines.
In lines 8-17, Giovanni makes several allusions, or references, to musicians that were popular at that time.
What artists did Giovanni allude to? What song did she allude to? What do these allusions reveal about the young Nikki Giovanni?
In stanze 5, Giovanni uses an idiom. Identify the idiom and explain its meaning?
What was one effect of living in a time "where there was no tv before 3:00 PM/And on Sunday none until 5:00"?
In line 15, what is the meaning of "black coffee"? (HINT: It is not the drink.)
Reread line 21. What is revealed in this line? Why do you think she feels this way?
The fact that Mrs. Long was willing to go to the "big library" despite being humiliated tells readers what about her character?
The speaker's feelings about her childhood could be called "nostalgic". Do you agree?
What does the following line from the poem mean?
"Mrs. Long opened that wardrobe"
Do you notice anything about the names of people used in the poem? Explain your findings.