Harlem Questions

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 makes you empty inside.

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

• A dream that is not pursued eventually fades away.

How does the reader know which line the poet feels most strongly about?

• Hughes poses it as a question.

• Hughes starts with this line as the first possible answer.

• Hughes ends with this line by spacing it out and putting it in italics.

• Hughes uses a simile to convey the importance of this particular line.

What is most likely Langston Hughes’s theme in “Harlem?”

• Dreams come in all shapes and sizes depending on your socioeconomic status.

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

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

• Dreams are dangerous and should be avoided.

Which word choice supports the theme of the poem?

• “What happens to a dream deferred?” (line 1)

• “Raisin in the sun” (line 3)

• “stink” “rotten” “sags” “explode” (lines 6, 9, 11)

• “sugar” “sweet” (lines 7, 8)

What is a "dream deferred"?

• a dream that is delayed

• a dream that doesn't come true

• a dream that one has to pursue on their own

• a dream that can only happen with support from family

Which of the following lines is an example of imagery?

• "And then run?"

• "Or crust and sugar over"

• "Or does it explode?"

• "Does it stink like rotten meat?"

What is the meaning of the word 'fester' in the following line:

"Or fester like a sore--"

• to get larger

• to rot

• to become infected

• to heal

What is the author's tone throughout the poem?

• anger

• loving

• cheerful

• desperation

Which type of figurative language is represented in the following line:

"Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?"

• simile

• hyperbole

• metaphor

• allusion