"Calling Dreams" Poem Analysis

Reread the following line from the poem:

“I ask, nay, I demand of life”

How does this line contribute to the meaning of the poem?

• It shows her becoming more determined to achieve her dreams.

• It shows her confusion about the difficulties in achieving her dreams.

• It shows how she changed her mind about how to achieve her dreams.

• It shows the response that others had about her achieving her dreams.

Reread the following line: at length I rise.

What does the phrase at length indicate about the speaker?

• She has been achieving her dreams for a long time.

• She is measuring the distance to achieve her dreams.

• She has been waiting to achieve her dreams for a long time.

• She is willing to put other things ahead of achieving her dreams.

What is the theme of the poem?

• The obstacles of racism can be overcome

• With determination, one can reach their dreams

• Life is hard

• Fate controls how we achieve our dreams

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, this poet eventually settled in Washington, DC, where she was swept up in the cultural tide of the Harlem Renaissance. Her work appeared in numerous published books and magazines.

What are some of the ways the author, Johnson, was connected to other artists of the Harlem Renaissance?

• She read, was inspired by, and inspired other authors of the Harlem Renaissance

• She lived in Washington

• She was a successful author

• She helped others write their books

Douglas was also published in mainstream publications like Harper’s and Century. Why is her publication in Harper’s and Century notable?

• Because it shows everyone (all races) was reading her work.

• Because it shows she made a lot of money on her work.

• Because it shows she could be published professionally.

• Because she addressed racism in her writing.