ENG 150 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Juvenile Delinquency
13 Jan 2017
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“Strike Straight”
The selection of the words “strike straight,” although seemingly innocent, embodies a
much deeper meaning than simply that of a physical action. By choosing the words “strike
straight,” the speaker adds multiple layers to the poem “We Real Cool.” There are many
interpretations that these unassuming words might represent. One possibility is that the “we” of
the poem is “striking” a billiards ball after they “left school.” Another explanation of this phrase
could refer to the striking of a match or of a person. The literal meaning of “strike straight,”
although an important action that occurs within this poem, is not the real importance that the
speaker is attempting to draw attention to. The main focus is much deeper than any realistic
meaning. All of the possibilities that the speaker leaves open as to what “striking straight” really
means support the idea that the “we” of this poem is shattering societal and cultural norms.
Striking a match, a deal, a person, or a billiards ball insinuates juvenile delinquency. This idea
can be reinforced with the other diction of “sin,” “gin,” “lurk late,” etc., that is scattered
throughout this poem. All of these activities, including the multi-layered interpretations of what
“striking straight” really entails, build up to the greater idea that the imprudent adolescents in this
poem are challenging customary mores. By employing precise diction as well as simple syntax,
the speaker of “We Real Cool” draws attention to insubordinate students determined to oppose
their society by acting uncouth, even if these rebellious actions are contrived and short lived.
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Document Summary
The selection of the words strike straight, although seemingly innocent, embodies a much deeper meaning than simply that of a physical action. By choosing the words strike straight, the speaker adds multiple layers to the poem we real cool. there are many interpretations that these unassuming words might represent. One possibility is that the we of the poem is striking a billiards ball after they left school. another explanation of this phrase could refer to the striking of a match or of a person. The literal meaning of strike straight, although an important action that occurs within this poem, is not the real importance that the speaker is attempting to draw attention to. The main focus is much deeper than any realistic meaning. All of the possibilities that the speaker leaves open as to what striking straight really means support the idea that the we of this poem is shattering societal and cultural norms.
