Rivers and Historical Context in Poetry

Langston Hughes discusses the inspiration behind his poem 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers', written in 1920. He reflects on the historical significance of the Mississippi River to African Americans, including its role in slavery. Hughes also mentions Abraham Lincoln's experience with slavery and how it influenced his actions. The poem was written on a train to Mexico, capturing the deep connection between rivers and African American history.

What year was 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' written?

• 1921

• 1920

• 1922

• 1919

What river did the author see from the train that inspired thoughts about Negro history?

• Yangtze

• Amazon

• Mississippi

• Nile

What was one of the worst things that could happen to a Negro slave according to the author's grandmother?

• Being separated from family

• Living in the North

• Working in the fields

• Being sold down the Mississippi

What did Abraham Lincoln witness in New Orleans that left a lasting impression on him?

• A slave market

• A large plantation

• A civil rights protest

• A riverboat race

What significant action did Abraham Lincoln take years after his experience on the Mississippi?

• Signed the Emancipation Proclamation

• Became a senator

• Led a civil rights march

• Wrote a famous novel

Where was the author traveling to when he wrote the poem?

• New York

• Mexico City

• New Orleans

• Chicago

What did the author use to write the poem during his train journey?

• A piece of newspaper

• A notebook

• A napkin

• The back of a letter

Which river is mentioned in the poem as having witnessed the building of the pyramids?

• Thames

• Amazon

• Nile

• Ganges

What does the author claim his soul has grown deep like?

• Rivers

• Forests

• Oceans

• Mountains

Which ancient river is mentioned in the poem as a place where the author bathed?

• Danube

• Indus

• Euphrates

• Tigris