Hughes uses many poetic devices in his poem "Theme for English B." These include alliteration, assonance, consonance, and enjambment. Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in quick succession to create rhythm. An example of this device can be seen in the quote: "I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you.". The repetition of the "h" sounds creates a rhythm and also lets the reader know that this concept is important. This reveals the theme that Hughes is trying to push through: that the assignment is anything but straightforward for Hughes because he doesn't have a story, or at least not one that will impress the professor. Assonance and consonance are also important in Hughes' poetry. These are created by the repetitions of vowel sounds (assonance) and consonant sounds (consonance). These can be used to set the mood in the poem. An example of each in "Theme for English B" is the quotes "I like a pipe for a Christmas present," and "I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem.". In the first quote, the sound of the "i" is repeated. The second quote uses a repeated consonant "r" to make the speaker's voice accentuated. The last technique used by Hughes in his poetry is enjambment. The enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without pauses in punctuation. An example of this is the quote: "You are white/ yet a part of me I guess you learn from me / although you're older and white / and somewhat more free." Hughes uses it to make it seem like the world is weighing on him without giving in. In conclusion, Hughes uses many literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, consonance, and enjambment to show the reader the racism of his hometown, Harlem. He feels that the professor has given him the task of writing about himself before the professor wants him to prove capable and show who he is, all because he is black. Hughes uses poetry as a platform to discuss racism and prejudice and the need to overcome them.
