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Worksheets"Harlem/Dream Deferred"
Total questions: 13
Worksheet time: 26mins
What is the meaning of the word 'fester' in the following line:
"Or fester like a sore--"
to get larger
to become infected
to rot
to heal
Dreams that are deferred happen when?
later
earlier
on time
What is the meaning of defer as it is used in Dream Deferred?
to put off, postpone
to complete
In the poem, what is the most appropriate synonym for "dream"?
a) memory
b) wish
c) goal
d) fantasy
Which statement SPECIFICALLY explains the simile, “Maybe it just sags/like a heavy load?” (Lines 9-10)
It can be difficult to know that a dream stopped serving its purpose.
It can be frustrating to see a dream fail to become a reality.
A postponed dream can become something that is difficult to carry.
Dreams can easily bounce back after being neglected for some time.
Which word choices help emphasize the theme in "Dreams Deferred" that giving up on a dream has negative consequences?
“What happens to a dream deferred?” (line 1)
“Raisin in the sun” (line 3)
“stink” “rotten” “sags” “explode” (lines 6, 9, 11)
“sugar” “sweet” (lines 7, 8)
Throughout the poem, what does Hughes tell us about a postponed dream?
It could burst, go bad, or weigh a person down
It could become more beautiful and sweet
It could feed the soul and explode into further dreams
It could keep the person hungry for more
Which sentence describes the main idea of the poem?
Some dreams need more time to develop and grow.
It’s difficult for people to keep their dreams alive.
No one knows what happens to dreams that are never fulfilled.
Dreams that are delayed could disappear or become a burden.
Which of the following best describes the central idea of Langston Hughes’ poem?
Dreams come in all shapes and sizes depending on your status.
It is a mystery what happens when dreams are not pursued by the dreamer.
Dreams are dangerous and should be avoided in order to keep from chaotic results.
There are negative consequences when dreams are put on hold.
What is the "tone" of a text?
The feelings the reader gets from the text
What is the author's subject in this poem?
Raisins
Explosions
Goals that are achieved
Goals that are not achieved
What is the author's tone throughout the poem?
a) excitement
b) gratitude
c) loneliness
d) frustration
What are some other words that could describe the tone of this poem? Choose ALL THAT APPLY (more than 1)!
irritated
angry
hungry
disappointed
