Harlem by Langston Hughes

Throughout the poem, what does Hughes tell us about a postponed dream?

• It could burst, go bad, or weigh a person down

• It could become more beautiful and sweet

• It could feed the soul and explode into further dreams

• It could keep the person hungry for more

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The speaker believes that dreams deferred:

• Grow more powerful

• Will be changed in a negative way

• Stay alive with enough hope

• Never truly disappear

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Which sentence describes the main idea of the poem?

• Some dreams need more time to develop and grow.

• It’s difficult for people to keep their dreams alive.

• No one knows what happens to dreams that are never fulfilled.

• Dreams that are delayed could disappear or become a burden.

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Which detail from the poem best supports the main idea of the poem?

• “What happens to a dream deferred?” (line 1)

• “like a raisin in the sun?” (Line 3)

• “Does it stink like rotten meat?” (Line 6)

• “like a syrupy sweet?” (Line 8)

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Which statement explains the simile, “Maybe it just sags/like a heavy load?” (Lines 9-10)

• It can be difficult to know that a dream stopped serving its purpose.

• It can be frustrating to see a dream fail to become a reality.

• A postponed dream can become something difficult to carry.

• Dreams can easily bounce back after being neglected for some time.

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Which of the following most likely aligns to Langston Hughes’ message in “Harlem”?

• Dreams come in all shapes and sizes depending on your socioeconomic (income level) status.

• It is a mystery what happens when dreams are not pursued by the dreamer.

• Dreams are dangerous and should be avoided in order to keep from chaotic results.

• There are negative consequences when dreams are put on hold.

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