Surname 2
where the author talks about the type of music and its rhythm, there is a total absence of
capitalization which makes that particular stanza look grammatically incorrect.
The first three stanzas have a conceding structure each containing a single topic sentence
presented in a free verse. To add on that, the third and the fourth stanza are common in the
structure and presentation of each having two parallel sentences. However, despite much
similarities amongst various grouping, stylistic aspects are highly distinct from one stanza to
another. For example, the length of the corresponding lines and their use differ across from one
stanza to another. The usage of the word “Negro” within the poem by the author indicates the
condition of the trumpet player: an African-American person facing racial and social profiling
seeking for equality. Finally, the organization of the poem on the page looks unpresentable due
to abstinence from using standard English conventions such as capitalization and using lines with
appropriate length to make a better presentation.
Part II: Explication
The poem “The Trumpet Player,” signifies an African-American (black man) playing a
trumpet straining as a result of physical and mental suffering. The poet indicates that the music
was sweet like honey; however, it was mixed with liquid fire signifying that despite the laxity
and seemingly happy life of the moment, the mind of the trumpet player was oozing with
agonizing saddening memory. In respect, Hughes uses the music as a source of consolation that
would help the “man” soothe the previous encounters that had caused him massive suffering.
“Dark moon of weariness/ beneath his eyes/where the smoldering memory/of a slave” (Stanza, 1)
has been used figuratively to signify that the subject, African- American man was suffering at the
horrifying memory of the difficult time as a slave. Putting emphasis on the fact that the man
