Essay Questions

What is the effect of the ellipsis in “A Poem on the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy”?

In “A Poem on the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy”, Nikki Giovanni incorporates ellipses in between the lines such that the ellipses split the lines into mini-sentences. Each of the lines in the three-stanza-poem, except the last line, has at least two sets of ellipses. The ellipses influence the flow and reading of the poem in such a way that the reader must pause while reading the lines. The methodical pause permits the reader to contemplate the implication of each word in the poem.

Why does Nikki Giovanni appeal to scientific allusion in “The Laws of Motion”?

Scientific allusion amplifies the believability of Giovanni’s argument about the effects of apathy on blacks. Giovanni says, “ Laws of motion tells us an inter object is more difficult to propel.” Here, an inert object refers to unconsciousness (which stems from apathy) of blacks. The dormancy is not beneficial in impelling blacks towards advocating for a society where they are not doomed to invisibility due to their blackness. Also, the Laws of Motion (which are scientific) make allusion to the entrenched preconceptions that cement the black versus white structures.

Why does Nikki Giovanni allude to the germination process in “ BLK History Month”?

The germination course is parallel to the prospering of African Americans. The ‘Black History Month’ does not activate an opportune environment ( which is similar to ‘fertile ground’, ‘rain’ and ‘sun’) for the African Americans to flourish.