The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Author of, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

• Langston Hughes

• James Weldon Johnson

• Agusta Savage

• Jason Reynolds

How does the repeating structure of the lines in the first stanza contribute to the meaning of the poem?

• by connecting the speaker to historical rivers

• by describing how rivers have changed over time

• by showing why the rivers can cause people to dream

• by explaining why the speaker has abandoned the rivers

How does the poet develop the theme?

• by warning about the force of different rivers

• by connecting black people to different periods of time

• by describing different trips one can take around the world

• by arguing for a different understanding of historical events

Which line uses vivid sensory language? Vivid Sensory means you can "visualize the images in your mind because it gives you a scene to see."

• My soul has grown deep like the rivers

• I've seen it's muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset

• I've known rivers

• I hear singing

The poem "David's Old Soul" by Nikki Grimes is a golden shovel of what famous poem?

• "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes

• "Hope" by Georgia Douglas Johnson

• "To a Dark Girl" by Gwendolyn Bennett

• "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

How does the line Grimes borrows from "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" relate to the ideas of this poem?

• by showing how difficult times can give us deep strength

• by comparing David to historical figures

• by showing David discovering a troubling secret

• by showing how people often take a long time to discover who they are

Which poem do you prefer?

• The Original!

  "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes

• The Golden Shovel!

  "David's Old Soul" by Nikki Grimes

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

• The connection between rivers and human history

• The beauty of nature

• The power of water

• The journey of life

Which literary device is predominantly used in 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers'?

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Personification

• Alliteration

What does the river symbolize in the poem?

• Life's journey

• Historical continuity

• Nature's beauty

• Human emotions