Paired Poems-Harlem and Dreams

1. What is a central theme shared by both "Harlem" and "Dreams"?

• A. The power of nature
• B. The importance of holding onto dreams
• C. The struggle for equality
• D. The impact of historical events

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CCSS.RI.7.7

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2. In "Harlem," what effect does the use of similes have on the poem?

• A. They create a sense of urgency and emphasize the negative consequences of abandoning dreams.
• B. They provide a humorous tone to make the poem more entertaining.
• C. They describe a literal process of decay in urban environments.
• D. They compare dreams to positive outcomes, showing hopefulness.
• Option 5

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CCSS.RL.7.10

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3. Which literary device is used in both poems?

• A. Alliteration
• B. Hyperbole
• C. Onomatopoeia
• D. Personification

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CCSS.RI.7.7

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4. How do the tones of the two poems compare?

• A. "Harlem" is hopeful, while "Dreams" is pessimistic.
• B. Both poems share an angry and rebellious tone.
• C. "Harlem" is frustrated and questioning, while "Dreams" is encouraging.
• D. "Harlem" is optimistic, while "Dreams" is despairing.

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CCSS.RI.7.7

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5. What does the metaphor "life is a broken-winged bird" in "Dreams" suggest?

• A. Life is unpredictable and constantly changing.
• B. Without dreams, life is limited and unable to reach its full potential.
• C. Birds symbolize freedom, so the speaker is saying life is free without dreams.
• D. The speaker admires birds and their resilience.

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CCSS.RL.7.10

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6. Which of the following images from "Harlem" suggest negative consequences of deferred dreams? (Select all 3 that apply.)

• ☐ A sore that festers
• ☐ A syrupy sweet
• ☐ Rotten meat
• ☐ A heavy load

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CCSS.RL.7.4

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7. Which literary devices does Langston Hughes use in "Dreams"? (Select all 3 that apply.)

• ☐ Metaphor
• ☐ Rhyme
• ☐ Hyperbole
• ☐ Personification

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CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

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8. How do the poems develop the theme of dreams? (Select all 2 that apply.)

• ☐ They emphasize the need to hold onto dreams for a fulfilling life.
• ☐ They suggest that dreams can be dangerous if pursued too aggressively.
• ☐ "Harlem" questions what happens when dreams are ignored, while "Dreams" urges people to cherish them.
• ☐ They focus on the idea that dreams always lead to success.

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CCSS.RI.7.7

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9. Which statements best describe the structure of the two poems? (Select all 3 that apply.)

• ☐ Both poems use repetition to reinforce their messages.
• ☐ "Harlem" uses mostly questions, while "Dreams" makes direct statements.
• ☐ "Dreams" has a regular rhyme scheme, while "Harlem" follows a more free-verse style.
• ☐ Both poems follow a strict ABAB rhyme pattern.

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CCSS.RI.8.7

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10. How do the poems reflect the struggles of the Harlem Renaissance? (Select all 3 that apply.)

• ☐ They highlight the impact of racial and economic struggles on dreams.
• ☐ They encourage people to give up on dreams that seem unreachable.
• ☐ They reflect frustration over limited opportunities for African Americans.
• ☐ They suggest that dreams have the power to inspire change.

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CCSS.RL.7.10

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