Moderate

Which of the following statements best characterizes the formal qualities of Langston Hughes's poem "Life is Fine" ?

Correct answer: B. The use of alternating end rhymes and word repetitions enhance the music of the poem and along with its occasional dissonance give it an improvisational jazz-like quality.

  • A. The diction is much more polysyllabic than monosyllabic.
  • B. The use of alternating end rhymes and word repetitions enhance the music of the poem and along with its occasional dissonance give it an improvisational jazz-like quality.
  • C. It is written in Standard American English for middle-class readers.
  • D. This poem is structured like a villanelle.

Explanation

Hughes combines alternating rhyme, repetition, colloquial diction, and rhythmic variation to create a musical, jazz-like effect, including moments of deliberate dissonance. The poem is not a villanelle, and its language is generally direct rather than highly polysyllabic.

Last updated

Practise Poetry

889 free Poetry MCQs from English Literature, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask English Literature questions like this

English Literature is on 2 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions