"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks

"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks

In this poem, Brooks describes a group of men in a pool hall and portrays them as not caring about responsibilities. As you read, take note of how Brooks' form contributes to the development of the theme of the poem.

"We Real Cool"

THE POOL PLAYERS.

SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL.

​

We real cool. We

Left school. We

​

Lurk late. We

Strike straight. We

​

Sing sin. We

Thin gin. We

​

Jazz June. We

Die soon.

Multiple Choice

The rhythm of We Real Cool creates a ______-like tune.

• Rock

• Jazz

• EDM

• Opera

Multiple Choice

"Jazz June" could signify

• Freedom

• They only play jazz in June

• Time off from school

• Dancing

Multiple Select

Why does Brooks end each line with "We" (Pick 2)

• To emphasize the unity of the pool players

• She was trying out a new style

• Suggests the brotherhood between the pool players

• I don't know.

Multiple Select

What might "Strike straight" suggest? (Hint: pick more than one answer)

• There's shady business around town

• They have a straight aim in pool

• They get into fights

• It has no significance

Multiple Choice

"Thin gin" means that

• They drink gin in thin glasses

• Their gin is diluted

• The pool players are thin

Multiple Choice

Which of the following identifies the central theme of the poem?

• A carefree lifestyle can have dire consequences.

• It is important to control the image other people have of you.

• As long as you have a reliable group of friends, nothing else matters.

• Your youth should be a time for fun, not responsibilities.

Multiple Choice

Which quote from the poem best supports the answer to theme question?

• "The Pool Players./"Seven at the Golden Shovel." (Lines 1-2)

• "Lurk late. We/Strike straight. We" (lines 5-6)

• "Sing sin. We/Thin gin. We" (Lines 7-8)

• "Jazz June.We/Die soon." (Lines 9-10)

Multiple Choice

How does the tone (The poet’s attitude toward the poem’s speaker, reader, and subject matter, as interpreted by the reader.) evolve throughout the poem?

• It remains light-hearted throughout the poem, as the boys don't take their actions or the possible consequences seriously.

• It starts off light-hearted but becomes serious as the consequences of the boys' carefree lifestyle becomes apparent.

• It goes from being serious about the consequences of the boys' actions to being casual about them.

• It remains consistently somber throughout the poem, as there are clearly consequences for every decision the boys make.

Multiple Choice

Which stanza from the poem best supports the answer to the tone question?

• "We real cool. We/Left school. We" (Stanza 1, Lines 3-4)

• "Lurk late. We/Strike straight. We" (Stanza 2, Lines 5-6)

• "Sing sin.We/Thin gin. We" (Stanza 3, Lines 7-8)

• "Jazz June. We/"Die soon." (Stanza 4, Lines 9-10)

Poll

What do you think "We/ Die Soon" means?

• The boys live like there's no tomorrow

• The boys live in everyday danger

• Speaker thinks the boys should think about the way their lives are headed

• The boys want to die before old age kills their vibe