HAR - Poetry of the Harlem Renaissance Lesson

Poetry of the Harlem Renaissance Lesson

Among the writings that came from the Harlem Renaissance, its poetry was perhaps the most celebrated at the time and the most widely read today. Each of the four poets whose works you will read was introduced in the module presentation at the beginning of this unit, so please watch the presentation again for a review of these important figures. Learn more about each of these authors in the activity below. Then, complete your reading assignments.

 

Reading Assignment: Langston Hughes

It is now time to read Langston Hughes's poems "Theme for English B" and "I, Too."  The link provided for "I, Too" also gives you the option to listen to the poem being read. Sometimes this is a nice alternative and allows you to visualize what the speaker is saying while you are listening. Finally, linked below you will find the Harlem Renaissance Poetry Reading Guide with questions to help you self-assess your understanding of the poems in this lesson.

Theme for English B Text Link  Links to an external site.

I, Too Text and Audio Link   Links to an external site.

Harlem Renaissance Poetry Reading Guide Links to an external site.

Reading Assignment: Countee Cullen (1903-1946)

It is now time to read the following poems by Countee Cullen: "From the Dark Tower," "Saturday's Child," and "The Loss of Love." As you read, use the poetry guide to check your understanding.

"From the Dark Tower" Text Link Links to an external site.

"Saturday's Child" Text Link Links to an external site.  

"The Loss of Love" Text Link Links to an external site.  

Reading Assignment: Claude McKay (1889-1948)

It is now time to read the following poems by Claude McKay: "If We Must Die" and "The Tropics of New York." As you read, use the poetry guide to check your understanding.

"If We Must Die" Text Link    Links to an external site.

"The Tropics of New York" Text Link   Links to an external site.

Reading Assignment: Jean Toomer (1894-1967)

It is now time to read the following poems by Jean Toomer: "Reapers," "People," and "Georgia Dusk." As you read, use the poetry guide  to check your understanding. Also, look for multiple perspectives, calls for all people to see others as fully human, and descriptions of Georgia from his time teaching there.

"Reapers" Text Link   Links to an external site.

"People" Text Link   Links to an external site.

"Georgia Dusk" Text Link Links to an external site.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.