Rivers and Their Symbolism in Poetry

Langston Hughes discusses the creation of his poem 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers', written in 1920. Inspired by a train journey across the Mississippi River, he reflects on the river's significance to African American history, including slavery and Abraham Lincoln's experiences. Hughes recites the poem, highlighting its themes of history and identity.

What year was 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' written?

• 1919

• 1920

• 1921

• 1922

Where was the author traveling to when he wrote the poem?

• New Orleans

• Chicago

• Mexico City

• New York

What river did the author see from the train that inspired the poem?

• Nile

• Amazon

• Mississippi

• Thames

What did the Mississippi River symbolize for African Americans during slavery?

• A place of leisure

• A place of trade

• Freedom

• A symbol of oppression

What was Abraham Lincoln's reaction to witnessing the slave market in New Orleans?

• He was indifferent

• He was inspired

• He was horrified

• He was amused

What significant action did Lincoln take years after his experience in New Orleans?

• Signed the Emancipation Proclamation

• Became a senator

• Moved to New Orleans

• Wrote a book

What did the author use to write the poem during his train journey?

• A notebook

• A piece of paper

• The back of a letter

• A napkin

Which ancient river is mentioned first in the poem?

• Nile

• Congo

• Amazon

• Euphrates

What did the author do near the Congo River according to the poem?

• Went fishing

• Planted trees

• Sailed a boat

• Built a hut

Which river is associated with the construction of the pyramids in the poem?

• Yangtze

• Mississippi

• Nile

• Amazon