In the poem “When Malindy Sings,” Paul Laurence Dunbar uses irony and caricature to “signify” on white assumptions about African Americans. What does Henry Louis Gate’s term “signify” mean ?

A. Giving words double meaning that appear differently to white and black readers.
B. Fixing words with very specific meanings.
C. Making sure that what is written makes sense.
D. Lying to mislead the reader.

Correct Answer: Giving words double meaning that appear differently to white and black readers. ✔

Last Updated: August 21, 2020