.
Is committed to developing his skills as a writer
Is actually more interested in being a musician than in being a writer
Has talent as both a musician and a writer
Is motivated very differently from the jazz musicians that he describes
Aspires to greatness but knows that he will never achieve it
Agitated the speaker purposely and distracted him from his writing
Was not "poetic" (line 3) and had no basis for his obsession
Actually disturbed the speaker less than did the singer
Had little "sensitivity" (line 5) and was undeserving of sympathy
Was a major source of the noise from which the speaker wished to escape
Both had lost control of their passions
Neither received support from friends or relatives
Each had in a different way proven to be a failure
Neither was any longer able to feel guilt or responsibility
Both were tormented by distracting disturbances
Suggestive and lyrical
Tender and friendly
Inexorably penetrating
Sensual and charming
Strongly private
Masterly creations flawed by insidious motifs and violent scenes
Works of art famous for their power to annoy audiences
Splendid artistic achievements often performed unsatisfactorily
Artistic compositions with compelling and unforgettable elements
Classic masterpieces with which everyone should be familiar
As a contrast to the situation in the speaker's neighborhood
As a condemnations of the singer's lack of talent
As a parallel to the drunk's attitude toward the world
As an indication of the essential similarity between art and life
As a satirical comment on the speaker's own shortcomings
Become technical masters of the instruments on which they performed
Blend forms such as the slave song and the spiritual into a carefully structured performances
Achieve individuality and virtuosity within the confines of their musical tradition
Communicate their beliefs and attitudes in a positive manner through their performances
Combine their talents with those of others in extemporaneous group performances
Idolatrous devotion
Profound admiration
Feigned intimacy
Qualified enthusiasm
Reasoned objectivity
They hold a mirror to nature.
They prove that music is superior to other art forms.
They provide an ironic view of the world.
They create order from the disorder of life.
They create music concerned more with truth than beauty.
Concrete diction
Parallel syntax
Simile
Understatement
Onomatopoeia
An inability to identify with others
An intense application to a single activity
A concern more with individuality than with tradition
An ambivalent feeling about their roles in life
A desire for popular approval
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4