Literary Devices
The hill above Harlem
Visual Imagery & Let's the reader picture his world and empathize with his perspective
I guess you learn from me—
although you’re older—and white—
and somewhat more free.
Inequality & Comparing his life to others showing the lack of understanding
I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love. I like to work, read, learn, and understand life. I like a pipe for a Christmas present.
Anaphora & Adds a flow and makes the poem feel personal rather than formal
It’s not easy to know what is true for you or me
at twenty-two, my age. But I guess I’m what
I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you
Self discovery / Identity & Finding who he truly is by his interests and who he is surrounded by
Go home and write / a page tonight. / And let that page come out of you- / Then, it will be true.
End Rhyme & To create a musical rhythm and highlight the connection between himself and others
You are white—
yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.
That’s American.
American Stereotype & Showing that true American identity includes diversity
I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you:
hear you, hear me—we two—you, me, talk on this page.
Assonance & To make the lines sound musical and show how he can relate with the reader
I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like the same things other folks like who are other races.
Race/Racism & Shows that being black doesn't make his interests different than others
Bessie, bop, or Bach
Allusion & To show his identity connects both old and modern traditions of Black culture (the artists)
Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you—Then, it will be true.
Expression & Writing from his own thoughts and experiences