Final answer:
The two poems, "We Real Cool" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," share similarities in their emphasis on African-American identity and their structured form to deliver poignant messages. Both use language to reflect their themes—Brooks with her terse, rhythmic lines and Hughes with his flowing verses that invoke the depth of black heritage and continuity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two similarities between "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes are the exploration of African-American identity and the use of a unique, controlled structure to convey deep messages. Both poems delve into the significance of collective experience and heritage within the African-American community. Brooks' poem uses concise and rhythmic language to emphasize the rebellious identity and group cohesion among the pool players, who embrace a hedonistic and potentially short life. Hughes' poem, on the other hand, uses the motif of rivers to embody the timeless and profound depth of the black soul and historical experience.
Both poems are notable for their structured form and rhythm, reflecting the poets' deliberate attempt at crafting their messages. "We Real Cool" employs short, abrupt lines that mirror the abruptness of the lives it depicts, while "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" uses flowing, expansive lines to illustrate the vastness of historical and spiritual connection. The literal and metaphorical use of rivers in Hughes' work mirrors the deep, interconnected narrative of a people, similar to the way the group's voice in "We Real Cool" signifies unity and identity.