Exploring Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance

What was the Harlem Renaissance primarily about?

• An exploration of black identity and artistic expression

• A political movement without artistic contributions

• A movement focused solely on jazz music

• A European art revival

How did Langston Hughes view the use of the term 'negro' in his poetry?

• As a modern term of empowerment

• Only in historical or quoted contexts

• He never used the term in his works

• As an offensive term to be avoided

What influenced Langston Hughes' decision to become a poet?

• His father's encouragement

• A lifelong dream from childhood

• His election as class poet due to racial stereotypes

• His desire to become a mining engineer

Which poets influenced Langston Hughes' writing style?

• Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath

• William Shakespeare and Petrarch

• Paul Laurence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, and Walt Whitman

• James Baldwin and Countee Cullen

What was the primary goal of Langston Hughes' poetry according to his 1927 essay?

• To master classical poetry forms

• To replicate European poetic styles

• To capture the essence of the human soul

• To focus solely on African American themes

What criticism did Langston Hughes face from other black writers?

• Being too influenced by white culture

• Ignoring the Harlem Renaissance

• Not being American enough in his themes

• Either being too focused on black themes or not enough

What is the central theme of 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers'?

• The beauty of African landscapes

• A historical account of major rivers

• Langston Hughes' personal travel experiences

• The depth of the African American soul connected to rivers

How does 'Harlem' suggest the American dream was treated for African Americans?

• Fully realized

• Deferred or postponed

• Completely achieved for all

• Not mentioned at all

What literary device is predominantly used in 'Harlem' to convey its message?

• Alliteration

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

What advice does Langston Hughes offer in his poetry?

• To pursue classical education

• To find love and joy in the moments between birth and death

• To focus on political activism

• To seek wealth and fame