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1			Consider the characters that Brooks presents in her poems. What do they reveal about the African-American urban experience? Is Brooks sympathetic to all the characters? Be sure to refer to specific poems in your answer.
2			One characteristic of Brooks's poems is great depth hidden beneath a surface of simplicity. Do a close reading of one of her poems, and explain how she achieves this effect. How does she say so much while using so few words? Consider what would be lost if Brooks "explained" her thoughts more explicitly. What is gained through subtlety and implication?