"Harlem" by Langston Hughes

What is a "dream deferred"?

• a dream that is delayed

• a dream that one has to pursue on their own

• a dream that doesn't come true

• a dream that can only happen with support from family

Which statement explains the simile, "Maybe it just sags / like a heavy load" (Lines 9-10)?

• It can be difficult to know that a dream stopped serving its purpose.

• It can be frustrating to see a dream fail to become a reality.

• A postponed dream can become something difficult to carry.

• Dreams can easily bounce back after being neglected for some time.

The phrase a raisin in the sun means _____.

• alone and deserted

• likely to grow something

  (like a seed)

• dried up and shriveled

• unappealing

Throughout the poem, what does Hughes tell us about a postponed dream?

• It could burst, go bad, or weigh a person down

• It could become more beautiful and sweet

• It could feed the soul and explode into further dreams

• It could keep the person hungry for more

What is the overall tone of the poem?

• excitement

• gratitude

• loneliness

• frustration

Which sentence describes the main idea of the poem?

• Some dreams need more time to develop and grow.

• It's difficult for people to keep their dreams alive.

• No one knows what happens to dreams that are never fulfilled.

• Dreams that are delayed could disappear or become a burden.

Which detail from the poem best supports the main idea that delayed dreams could disappear or become a burden?

• "What happens to a dream deferred?" (Line 1)

• "like a raisin in the sun?" (Line 3)

• "Does it stink like rotten meat?" (Line 6)

• "like a syrupy sweet?" (Line 8)

Which of the following most likely aligns to Langston Hughes’ message in “Harlem”?

• Dreams come in all shapes and sizes depending on your socioeconomic (income level) status.

• It is a mystery what happens when dreams are not pursued by the dreamer.

• Dreams are dangerous and should be avoided in order to keep from chaotic results.

• There are negative consequences when dreams are put on hold.

The speaker of “Harlem” offers several possible answers to his first question in line 1: “What happens to a dream deferred?” Which statement below best captures the answer he believes in most?

• A dream that is not pursued has potentially violent consequences.

• A dream that is not pursued eventually fades away.

• A dream that is not pursued makes you even more motivated.

• A dream that is not pursued makes you empty inside.

What are the two possible outcomes if a dream explodes?

• It can't be seen anymore

• It will bring the dreamer hope.

• It will cause the dreamer fear.

• It will affect the surrounding people as well as the dreamer.