Harlem Renaissance Poetry Unit Test

What led to a new cultural identity for African Americans during the 1920s and 1930s?

• Through the Harlem Renaissance

• By political movements only

• Through economic advancements

• None of the above

How did the Harlem Renaissance help Americans understand the culture and history of African Americans?

• By showcasing African American artistic expression

• By influencing American politics

• By promoting African American businesses

• By none of the above

Based on the excerpt from "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain," what is Hughes’ view on how to approach Negro poetry? What should one of African American descent do when wanting to create art, according to him? Explain the metaphorical mountain he mentions.

• Hughes believes that Negro poetry should reflect the real life experiences and emotions of African Americans, and that artists should climb the 'mountain' of creating genuine art that represents their true selves and culture.

• Hughes advocates for a traditional approach to poetry and suggests that African American artists should conform to mainstream standards, ignoring the metaphorical mountain.

• Hughes suggests that African American poetry should not focus on race or identity, and the metaphorical mountain represents unnecessary obstacles.

• Hughes emphasizes the need for technical skill over emotional expression in poetry, and the mountain is a symbol of the technical challenges to overcome.

In Hughes' "Theme for English B," why does he want to make clear his heritage?

• To reveal to readers the complexities of being of mixed race

• To correct misconceptions about his background

• To share his personal history with others

• To fulfill a family obligation

List an example of alliteration.

• She sells sea shells by the sea shore

• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers

• Quick questions quell quarrels

• Big bad bears scare small scared kids

In "Theme for English B," in what way are the student and the instructor a part of one another?

• In a metaphorical sense that they are both human

• In a literal sense

• In a professional sense

• In a legal sense

What does the poem "Theme for English B" reveal about Hughes’ identity as someone of mixed race?

• His pride in his heritage

• His interest in modernist poetry

• His struggle with identity

• His exploration of racial themes

How does this poem connect to the Harlem Renaissance?

• It reflects the cultural and artistic explosion of the era.

• It does not relate to the Harlem Renaissance.

• It critiques the socio-political aspects of the era.

• It uses language and themes common during the Harlem Renaissance.

How does Langston Hughes use juxtaposition in his poem "Helen Keller"?

• By contrasting light and darkness

• By contrasting silence and sound

• By contrasting past and present

• By contrasting joy and sorrow

What message is portrayed through his description of Helen Keller in relation to African Americans?

• Empowerment and overcoming adversity

• Lack of educational opportunities

• Social and political activism

• None of the above