The Langston Blues
The Langston Blues In "The Weary Blues", Hughes creatively uses various forms of wordplay and strong defining diction to emphasize the theme of the story; how white-controlled society oppresses and suppresses black people, and that despite black people's attempts to remain happy in the face of such abuse and mistreatment, the suppression is too much and leave black people miserable and hopeless. Right at the start, Hughes uses the word "syncopated" to describe the singer's song. By using such a distinct and unique word, Hughes draws the audience's attention to this line specifically, which is important, as syncopated describes something displaced or off-beat, almost conflicted or harsh in some way. This is very fitting for the theme as it matches how black people are made to feel displaced or out-of-place in society, making them feel conflicted about themselves and how they fit into society, struggling with their happiness or sense of hope. While ...