# To Midnight Nan at Leroy’s explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

A vivid, rhythmic portrayal of a night at Leroy's, centering on Nan's uninhibited dance and song, set against a backdrop of jungle imagery, moonlight, and raw desire.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Joy

Nan's uninhibited dancing and singing embody a defiant joy and resilience in the face of societal judgment.

### Urban Life and Alienation

The cabaret setting and the speaker's detached observation highlight the complex interplay of connection and alienation in urban nightlife.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker addresses Nan directly, observing and commenting on her performance.

### Nan

The central figure, a 'shameless gal' who struts, wiggles, and sings her blues at Leroy's.

## Key lines

> Strut and wiggle, Shameless gal. Wouldn’t no good fellow Be your pal.

Dance provocatively, unashamed woman; no respectable man would be your companion.

_The speaker acknowledges Nan's social ostracism while celebrating her defiance._

> Sing your Blues song, Pretty baby. You want lovin’ And you don’t mean maybe.

Perform your sorrowful song, beautiful one; you desire love with absolute certainty.

_The blues song becomes an expression of Nan's unapologetic longing._

> Two against the moon And the moon was joy.

Two lovers silhouetted against the moon, which itself radiated happiness.

_The moon personifies joy, reflecting the ecstatic union of the lovers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/to-midnight-nan-at-leroy-s
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters