Lesson 18: Culture of the 1920s: Poetry of Langston Hughes

Introduction

 In this lesson, you will consider the culture of the 1920s and how life in America was changing.

Focus Question:

What cultural changes took place in the 1920s?

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Poetry of Langston Hughes

For the past few lessons, you have learned about the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes. Today, you will read poems written by Langston Hughes. 

Before we begin, let’s take a closer look at how to annotate poetry.

Analyzing Poetry Handout Download Analyzing Poetry Handout

 

The first poem is a very famous yet short poem by Langston Hughes. You will simply just read this poem.

Dreams Handout Download Dreams Handout

 

 

Now, take a look at the poem below. It is titled “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes. There are a lot of metaphors in the poem. As you read it, remember that some of the words are not meant to be taken literally. 

Mother To Son Handout Download Mother To Son Handout

In your journal: Analyze the poem. You will share your thoughts about the poem in the Flip assignment below.

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Assignment

In Flip, you will record your thoughts on the poem. Please make sure your response is thoughtful and thorough. After reading the poem, respond to the prompt below.

Describe how you chunked the poem “Mother to Son” and why you decided to chunk it the way you did. What do you think each part of the poem means? What message was Langston Hughes trying to give with his poem?

Go to the next page to complete the Flip assignment

 

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