6v Langston Hughes

• Engels
• Voortgezet speciaal onderwijs
• Middelbare school
• Leerjaar 5

What can you tell me about his childhood?

Describe the political and economical situation of black people at the time Hughes was writing his poetry.

What was the Harlem Renaissance?

What are the 3 statements that Hughes made about his own poetry? He wanted to show what it was like to be A. and B. and C.

Hughes wanted to show what it meant to be

-black

-an artist

-an American

Who or what was Jim Crow?

1. a real person who made a mockery of black people by pretending to be studip
2. a name that was given to the system of segregation especially in the south
3. the name of a popular song at the day
4. the name of a man who helped end slavery

What prompted Hughes to write 'I, Too, Sing America'

1. Walt Whitman had written a poem about America but he had left black people out.
2. Hughes wanted to show that black people could make a positive contribution too.
3. Hughes wanted to show the spirit of the jazz age.
4. Hughes wanted segregation to end.

What is typical of Hughes' poetry?

1. it is accessible, with simple images and simple words
2. it is inclusive and never harsh
3. it is complex, with lots of hidden meanings
4. it appeals to both white and black audiences

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

I've known rivers:

I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Remember that Hughes wrote this when he was only a young man.

He talks about the experiences of his people.

He talks about all the hardhips and all the suffering of the people before him, who made him what he is today.

The Sky is Gray

Let's try and get to know the author a little first.

We can also watch Henry Fonda's introduction of the film version of the story.

https:

Questions to consider

 Would "The Big Gray Sky" or "A Little Southern Town" been a title for the story?
    Scholars argue that the stories in "Bloodline" show the growth towards, and constraints on, manhood for the characters. How does James in "The Sky is Gray" precede towards manhood? How is he constrained in that movement?
    While in the dentists waiting room, James encounters two opposing views on what African Americans should do to combat racism. The student and the preacher argue, and James says he wants to be like the student. WHy does he say this?
    Much of Gaines' work appears to dread the encroachment of modernity on a rural location. DO you see any comment on this in "The Sky is Gray?" Does the story accept the coming of modernity?
    Why does James' mother refuse the extra salt pork at the end of the story? What lesson is she trying to teach James?
    The first few drafts of "The Sky is Gray" ended with "You not a bum,' she says." The final version ends with "You not a bum,' she says, 'You a man.'" How does the addition or subtraction of the last line affect the story's meaning?

Please explain this.