The Weary Blues Questions

Which of the following would be the least necessary to include in a summary of Langston Hughes’s writing career?

• Hughes’ poem “The Weary Blues” won first prize in the Opportunity magazine literary competition in 1925.

• Hughes was among the first to use jazz rhythms and dialect to depict the life of urban blacks in his work.

• She died in his early teens though, so Langston went to live with his mother.

• Hughes graduated from Lincoln in 1929 and published his first novel, Not Without Laughter.

Which of the following was NOT a job Hughes held, according to the selection?

• Busboy

• Steward

• Chef

• Writer

Which piece of literature is quoted where Hughes’ ashes are located?

• The Weary Blues

• The Ways of White Folks

• The Big Sea

• “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”

What was the role of “Simple” in Langston Hughes’s work?

• He was a character who portrayed the typical white man to address issues.

• He was a character who portrayed the typical Black man to address issues.

• He was a character who portrayed a young Langston Hughes.

• He was a character who portrayed Langston Hughes’ son.

Which sentence best summarizes the selection?

• Langston Hughes was a wonderful writer.

• One of the most famous poets of the Harlem Renaissance was Langston Hughes.

• Langston Hughes was a popular African-American writer and main figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

• Langston Hughes had many difficulties throughout his life, but prevailed to become a famous writer during the Harlem Renaissance.

What role did Carl Sandburg and Walt Whitman play in Hughes’ life?

• They helped him get his first works published.

• They inspired him to write poetry.

• They were great teachers of his.

• They encouraged him to submit his work to contests.