Let America be America Again Quiz

What is the central theme of the poem?

• The American Dream is easily attainable.

• America has always been a land of equality and justice.

• The American Dream has been denied to many, but it is worth fighting for.

• The author believes America should return to a monarchy.

The speaker repeats the phrase "America never was America to me" throughout the poem. What is the effect of this repetition?

• It emphasizes the speaker’s disbelief in the American Dream.

• It highlights the contrast between the ideal and the reality of America.

• It shows that the speaker does not want America to change.

• It expresses the speaker’s nostalgia for the past.

What is the tone of the poem?

• Angry and despairing

• Hopeful and determined

• Both answers are correct.

The line “Equality is in the air we breathe” is an example of which literary device?

• Hyperbole

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Irony

The speaker identifies with multiple marginalized groups. Why does Hughes include this diverse perspective?

• To demonstrate that injustice affects only certain races.

• To show that the struggle for equality is shared by many groups.

• To argue that immigrants do not belong in America.

• To highlight that only one group has been oppressed.

What does the phrase “We, the people, must redeem” suggest about the speaker’s belief in change?

• The speaker believes America is beyond saving.

• The speaker believes change is possible through collective action.

• The speaker thinks change will happen without effort.

• The speaker is indifferent about the future.

What does the phrase “dog eat dog” in line 20 suggest about society?

• It represents a peaceful and fair system.

• It describes a competitive, ruthless society.

• It highlights the beauty of capitalism.

• It suggests that people should become vegetarians.

The phrase “steel of freedom does not stain” is an example of:

• Simile

• Alliteration

• Personification

• Metaphor

What is the significance of the line “America will be!” at the end of the poem?

• It signals the speaker’s surrender to oppression.

• It expresses the belief that the American Dream is dead.

• It conveys the speaker’s hope and commitment to making America a true land of freedom.

• It suggests that America should return to its colonial roots.

What is the poet’s purpose in asking rhetorical questions such as “Who said the free? Not me?”

• To challenge the reader to question their own beliefs about freedom and equality.

• To encourage the reader to ignore historical injustices.

• To express confusion about who controls America.

• To suggest that freedom is no longer important.