The Weary Blues

Images and music can help readers understand the context in which they text they are reading was created.  The montage of images of the Harlem Renaissance, coupled with  Professor Dr. Allen Dwight Callahan’s recitation of “The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes and the blues music in the background, helps the reader picture the context in which Hughes was writing about.  This  video paints a picture of what Harlem was like during Hughes’ time which is critical for readers to connect to his poetry.  The music and the way in which Dr. Calahan recites the poem creates a tangible representation of the mood the reader feels when they read the poem to themselves.  I really enjoy learning about the culture of the authors I read as well as the pop culture of the time period in which pieces were written.  I loved watching this movie, and although you have to be cautious when you look at videos on Youtube, this video was really helpful when reading “The Wary Blues.”