We Real Cool

1. On YouTube, listen to this recording of Gwendolyn Brooks introducing and reciting “We Real Cool.” What most surprises you about the performance? What elements of her performance contribute to the recitation’s musical quality? In addition, consider Brooks’s own explanation of the poem. In a brief essay, detail your reactions to specific qualities of the written poem, to the poet’s reading, and to her comments. Then describe how your perspective on the poem changed after listening to the poet’s introduction and recitation.

2. The poet Tyehimba Jess has argued that the seven pool players are symbolic of the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, pride, lust, wrath, envy, and sloth. One can argue that the poet alludes to all seven of these sins in the text of the poem. After a careful reading, can you identify expressions of each of the seven sins in the poem? In a brief essay, explain the connections you made and provide rationale for your choices.

3. By having the young pool players speak for themselves, Brooks eschews making explicit judgments about their choices. That said, the fact that the young men believe they are going to “[d]ie soon” conveys a strong reaction to their acts of youthful rebellion. That reaction can be interpreted as either a celebration of the young men or a condemnation and warning against going down their path. In an essay of several paragraphs, argue both viewpoints; incorporate quoted lines or phrases from the poem to support each side. Which viewpoint is more convincing, and for what reasons? Or are the viewpoints presented with equal strength in the poem? Discuss your rationale for your decision, citing evidence from the text.