1. A Closer Look

4. I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America.

5.  Do you think American Society is as Hughes describes “ashamed” of how blacks were treated in history? Why or why not (give evidence)?  (3 minutes)

6. HHold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

7.  What does Hughes mean when he says “For when dreams go- life is a barren field”? Do you agree? Why or why not?  (3 minutes)

8. TTo fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening Beneath a tall tree While night comes on gently, Dark like me-- That is my dream! To fling my arms wide In the face of the sun, Dance! Whirl! Whirl! Till the quick day is done. Rest at pale evening... A tall, slim tree... Night coming tenderly Black like me.

9.  Hughes writes about dancing in the “white day” and resting in the night which he describes as “dark like me.” How does the imagery of white and black affect the meaning of the poem? (3 minutes)

10. According to the previous poems, describe what type of person you think Langston Hughes was. (3 minutes)

11. Langston Hughes played an integral part in the Harlem Renaissance. Renaissance means “rebirth”. As you watch the video, consider the common themes of artists during this time.

13.  What were some common themes during the Harlem Renaissance? How are these related to the three poems we read today?  (3 minutes)

14. Why types of art emerged during the Harlem Renaissance?

15.  If you were a part of the Harlem Renaissance, which art form would you like to contribute to? Why? (3 minutes)

16.  Take a careful look at the following pieces of artwork. Think about the common themes present in each piece.

21. How is pride portrayed in these paintings? Give specific details. (2 minutes)

22. How is the theme of hope portrayed in the story? (2 minutes)

23. How is the theme of pride portrayed in the story? (2 minutes)

24. How is the theme of disappointment portrayed in the story? (2 minutes)