Exploring the Poetry of Langston Hughes

Exploring the Poetry of Langston Hughes

Read the provided excerpts and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to Langston Hughes's use of language, imagery, and theme.

Read the following poem by Langston Hughes:

I, Too

I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America.

1. What is the central theme of Langston Hughes's poem "I, Too"?

2. What literary device is most evident in the line "I am the darker brother"?

1. How does the speaker's tone shift from the beginning to the end of the poem "I, Too"?

2. Explain the significance of the kitchen as a setting in the poem.

1. Langston Hughes was a prominent figure during the  .

2. Many of Hughes's poems captured the experiences of   people in America.

1. Langston Hughes primarily wrote about themes of nature and romance.

2. The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, music, and literature.

In a well-developed paragraph, discuss how Langston Hughes's experiences and the historical context of the Harlem Renaissance influenced his poetic style and thematic choices. Refer to specific examples from his work, including "I, Too," in your answer.