Langston Hughes: Poet of the People

Which of these lines shows how the poet feels about life without dreams?

• "life is a barren field frozen with snow"

• "when dreams go"

• "hold fast to dreams"

• "for if dreams die"

What does the phrase "hold fast" mean in the poem?

• run from

• try to

• hang on to

• forget

Which line in the poem is repeated?

• For if dreams die

• Hold fast to dreams

• Life is a broken-winged bird

• Frozen with snow

What is the effect of repetition in the poem?

• To emphasize that you should really hold on to your dreams and chase them.

• To tell the reader that dreams always try and get away

• To make up lines in the poem

• The poet couldn't think of any other line

What happens when Langston suggests Columbia University as a place to study?

• Mr. Hughes suggests that there are excellent schools for engineering

• Mr. Hughes responds with pleasure and believes he and Langston now agree

• Mr. Hughes points out that he can send Langston anywhere in the world

• Mr. Hughes insists that Langston abandon his dram of becoming a writer.

Which sentence conveys the idea that Mr. Hughes believes Langston now agrees to forget about becoming a writer

• "Well, Langston, let me see what progress you've made"

• "I can afford to send you to the finest schools in the world."

• "I hear there are excellent schools in Switzerland"

• "Now, forget that silly writing business, and we'll see about getting you into Columbia"

When does the MOOD become more intense?

• when Senora Garcia is dusting and talking to Langston

• when Mr. Hughes inspects Langston's bookkeeping

• when Langston suggests going to Columbia

• when Langston and his father exit the room

One of the most famous American poets of all-time, he infused jazz and blues rhythms into much of his work.

• Duke Ellington

• Cab Calloway

• Louis Armstrong

• Langston Hughes

The Harlem Renaissance refers to:

• literary and artistic movement celebrating African-American culture

• struggle for civil rights by the NAACP

• program to promote African-American owned businesses

• population increase in Harlem during the 1920s

Which of these lines from Langston Hughes' poetry reflects the theme of perseverance?

• Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly

• Hold fast to dreams

• When dreams go

• Life is a barren field frozen with snow