Exploring the Poetry of Langston Hughes
This worksheet introduces students to the life and poetry of Langston Hughes, focusing on his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and his use of literary devices.
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Exploring the Poetry of Langston Hughes
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Read the following passage about Langston Hughes and answer the questions that follow. Then, analyze a poem by Hughes and complete the writing prompt.
Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, spanning the 1920s. Hughes was a poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He is best known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the 1920s through the 1960s. He used his writing to explore themes of racial pride, dreams deferred, and the everyday experiences of African Americans. Hughes was an innovator of a new literary art form called 'jazz poetry,' which drew rhythm and improvisation from jazz music. His work often incorporated the spoken language and musicality of African American culture, making his poems accessible and powerful.
1. Which artistic movement was Langston Hughes a central figure of?
The Beat Generation
The Harlem Renaissance
The Romantic Era
The Lost Generation
2. What was 'jazz poetry' as innovated by Langston Hughes?
Poetry written only about jazz music
Poetry that drew rhythm and improvisation from jazz music
Poetry performed by jazz musicians
Poetry that only used rhyming couplets
3. Langston Hughes used his writing to explore themes of racial pride, , and the everyday experiences of African Americans.
4. Hughes's work often incorporated the spoken language and of African American culture.
Read the following poem by Langston Hughes:
Dreams
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.
5. What is the central message or theme of the poem 'Dreams'?
6. Identify and explain one literary device (e.g., metaphor, simile, imagery) Hughes uses in 'Dreams'.
7. Langston Hughes was primarily known for his work as a mathematician.
True
False
8. In your own words, explain how Langston Hughes's poetry contributed to the Harlem Renaissance and its goals. Refer back to the reading passage and the poem 'Dreams' in your answer.