Connecting History & Poetry: Harlem by Langston Hughes

Which idea from the article best explains the question Hughes asks in the poem, “What happens to a dream deferred?”

• Many Black Americans achieved all their goals after moving north

• Black Americans faced continued discrimination even after leaving the South

• The Harlem Renaissance ended segregation

• Most Black Americans moved north for artistic careers

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In the poem, Hughes compares a deferred dream to a “raisin in the sun.” Which situation from the article best matches this image?

• Black artists gaining fame during the Harlem Renaissance

• Families being denied loans through redlining

• Writers publishing stories in magazines

• Communities celebrating cultural achievements

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How does the article help explain why Hughes ends the poem by asking, “Or does it explode?”

• It shows that dreams always lead to success

• It explains how art ended discrimination

• It describes how long-term injustice created anger and resistance

• It proves that migration solved most problems

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Which theme is shared by BOTH the article and the poem?

• Moving guarantees happiness

• Dreams disappear when people give up

• Delayed dreams can cause pain and struggle

• Art matters more than equality

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Which detail from the article best supports the idea that dreams were often held back?

• Harlem becoming a cultural center

• Black workers being limited to dangerous, low-paying jobs

• Artists creating famous works

• Colleges opening their doors to all students

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In the poem, a dream that “sags like a heavy load” most closely represents which experience from the article?

• Writing poetry in Harlem

• Traveling north with hope

• Carrying the stress of discrimination and poverty

• Winning legal cases quickly

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Why is “Harlem” an effective companion to the informational article?

• It gives exact dates and statistics

• It explains migration routes

• It shows the emotional impact of the history described

• It focuses only on success stories

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