07 Dec How does the poem Harlem begin? What is the impact of starti

Hughes "Harlem" 

Please focus on any aspect of the poem you would like – or you can use the questions below as a guide. The poem is found in our digital textbook. I am also posting a link for easy access:  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46548/harlem

How does the poem Harlem begin? What is the impact of starting the poem with a question? How does this impact the reader, and how we understand the following lines?

What kind of language is used throughout the poem Harlem? What imagery does the poet use? Is it pleasant? Is it unpleasant? Think about the feeling that this poem evokes, and try to describe it in a single adjective. How does the poet establish this tone? What feelings are you left with?

Why do you think this poem is organized in the way that it is? How does the poet use organization and spacing to set and change a rhythm for the poem? What impact does that have?

Why are the lines Maybe it just sags like a heavy load separate from the previous section? What impact does this inherent pause give to the poem? Why is the last line, Or does it explode? set apart by itself? Why is it in italics? Read this poem in your head, and read it aloud. How does the organization impact the way you hear/vocalize the poem?

Hughes "I, Too"

Please focus on any aspect of the poem you would like – or you can use the questions below as a guide. The poem is found in our digital textbook. I am also posting a link for easy access:  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47558/i-too

What does Hughes mean when he "sings America"?

Who is Hughes "singing" to?

Why was Hughes told to "eat in the kitchen"?

What is the significance of the tone change from "I, too, sing America" to "I, too, am America"?