The Influence of Langston Hughes:
Quote
"It is the duty of the younger Negro artist... to change
through the force of his, that old whispering, “I want
to be white” to, “I am a Negro - and beautiful.”
Analysis
Critical Thinking questions: What are those dreams? How is hope for the realization of dreams portrayed? Why can there be hope? How are those
dreams realized or ruined? What makes up a positive future?

Poem
My America

I, Too Sing America

Mother to Son

Thank You, Ma'am

Pennsylvania Station
How poem addresses critical thinking questions
Text Evidence
Quote
We younger Negro artists now intend
to express our individual darkskinned selves without fear or
shame."
Analysis
Critical Thinking Questions:
How are the musical influences of Harlem reflected in the poetry? What lives in the minds of these musicians? What words in the poem paint a
picture of Harlem? What are some of the sounds of Harlem? How are the feelings of dance and movement of Harlem captured? What words does he
use to convey the feeling of rhythm?

Poem
Jukebox Love Song

Harlem Night Song

Jam Session

Po Boy Blues

The Weary Blues
http://www.geocities.com/xxxjorgexxx/a05.html - 4 min
How poem addresses critical thinking questions
Quote / citation
Quote
“Harlem was not so much a place as it was a
state of mind, a cultural symbol for black
America itself”
Analysis
Critical Thinking Questions:
How does Hughes characterize Harlem as a space? What leftover feelings around race relations emerge in the poems? How do you think Langston
Hughes feels about Harlem? What phrases help you figure this out? How does this contrast with most African Americans' experience in the United
States prior to the Harlem Renaissance?

Poem
Lenox avenue

Harlem Night Club

Heart of Harlem

Negro Servant
How poem addresses critical thinking questions
Quote / citation
What are the essential elements of Harlem Renaissance poetry?
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