North Carolina Blues - Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts, themes, and literary techniques found in Javier Villaurrutia's poem 'North Carolina Blues'.

What does the air feel like in North Carolina according to the poem?

The air is described as being made of human skin.

How is the relationship between man and tree portrayed in the poem?

The poem suggests that the man is like a tree again, from his feet to his hands.

What two contrasting states are depicted with the image of the black person smiling and being silent?

When the black person smiles, they show fruit and white gums; when silent, their mouth becomes a red entrañ.

What does the speaker question about the face of a black person?

The speaker questions how to express the darkening of a black person's face.

What shared fate do colored and white passengers wait for in the poem?

They all await the same death.

What imagery is used to depict nocturnal hotels in North Carolina?

Invisible couples arrive, stairs move on their own, and corridors flow.

What is represented by the hand without a body in the poem?

It writes and erases black names on a chalkboard.

What aspect of identity is explored when the speaker mentions not daring to claim a mouth?

It explores confusion and the lack of ownership over one's identity.

What is the predominant tense of the poem?

The poem is predominantly in the present tense.

What type of literary technique does the poem employ by repeating "En North Carolina"?

It serves as a refrain that emphasizes the setting and theme.