English 9
Hopes and Dreams
NAME: __________________________
DATE: _____/_____/_____
HOPES and DREAMS Intro
In order to accomplish a goal, we must first have HOPES and DREAMS in which we believe. Sometimes
these HOPES and DREAMS can be easily reached, while other times it takes a considerable amount of
planning, sacrifice, and tenacity to get there. Regardless, we all need to have HOPES and DREAMS in order
to become successful in today’s world.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
 What does it mean to have realistic expectations?
 How do one’s HOPES and DREAMS guide relationships?
 How can HOPES and DREAMS themes in literature be identified?
 How do literary texts help us understand the human story?
 What is the relationship between culture and literature?
 What makes writing worth reading?
 What influence does a writer’s experience have on their writing?
REQUIRED READING
Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck (anchor text)
“The Necklace” (pg. 26 in textbook)– Guy de Maupassant
“A Dream Deferred” – Langston Hughes
REQUIRED WRITING
Character Analysis Essay
Additional texts may be added
SUGGESTED READING FOR SSR
The Hobbit –JRR Tolkien
Flowers for Algernon – Daniel Keyes
“Marigolds” (pg. 74 in textbook)– Eugenia Collier
“Life without Go Go Boots” (pg. 236 in textbook) – Barbara
Kingsolver
 “Daughter of Invention” (page 663 in text book) – Julia Alvarez




1
“A Dream Deferred” by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
and then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Comprehension Check
1. Based on the overall meaning of the poem,
what does the word deferred mean?
2. Based on the overall meaning of the poem,
what happens to a “dream deferred”?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Literary Terms
1. Define the following terms by looking them up in your Literary Terms handout.
Literary Term
Definition
Simile
Imagery
Rhyme Scheme
2. Read the poem a second time. Identify (label) examples of simile, imagery, and rhyme scheme.
Now, answer the following questions based on your own
HOPES AND DREAMS.
1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? (In other words, what do you want your
life to be like at these times in your future?)
2. Now, focus only on high school. List three or four HOPES and DREAMS that you have for yourself
in high school.
2