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Analysis Of We Real Cool

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We Real Cool Analysis Mob mentality, also known as herd mentality is how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors. In reality, people in the group developed one lifestyle, one purpose, and one mind. This mentality is slightly shown in something as innocent as school cliques. But often, this mob mentality can have negative consequences. Gwendolyn Brooks’ We Real Cool is a cautionary tale of 7 pool players living fast and dying young together. The poem uses symbolism, diction, and sound devices such as alliteration, rhythm, and repetition to emphasize the theme of identity and mortality. Brooks’ use of repetition and alliteration shines light on themes such as death and identity. The word “we” is used …show more content…

“We Left School” paints the picture of the boys neglecting their education as teenagers leading them down the wrong path and inevitably to death. “We Die Soon” is a break from the poem’s flow. The phrase overall shows mortality and at the result of the actions said previous to this line. The diction of these phrases are short and simple words. It is slang that is grammatically incorrect showing that the teenagers neglected their education, contributing to their image of being rebellious. Additionally, Brooks uses “We” rather than “They” for the purpose of the reader to see their sense of unity. Spondee is also present all through the poem. Every syllable is stressed meaning that each word said is important. It is a mantra that the 7 pool players are adamant about me are all in agreement on. This adds on to the theme of being one collective, sharing one purpose. Brooks also ties together rhythm and diction like rap music to relate to the reader and the youth in the poem. “We” acts as the grace note in the poem. Symbolism contributes to many aspects of We Real Cool. The subtitle “The Pool Players. Seven at the Golden Shovel” differs from the 4 stanza couplets in the rest of the poem. “The Pool Players” are the only non symbolic phrase in the subtitle. The subjects are actual pool players. “Seven” is the number of boys but also is a number known for being lucky like in gambling or seven deadly sins. “The Golden Shovel” is the name of the pool hall they go to but

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