Hughes

Question 1

Where did Hughes grow up?

Answer 1

Hughes grew up in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Ohio before moving to New York City in 1921.

Question 2

What significant event involved Hughes’ maternal grandmother’s first husband?

Answer 2

He died at Harpers Ferry fighting alongside John Brown.

Question 3

What musical influences are prominent in Hughes’ poetry?

Answer 3

The strong influence of blues and jazz is evident in his work.

Question 4

How did Hughes use dialect in his poetry?

Answer 4

He used dialect in a radical new way.

Question 5

What is the theme of race represented in the text?

Answer 5

“The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (1304), “Homesick Blues” (1309), “Mulatto” (1309), “Motto” (1319), “Theme for English B” (1319)

Question 6

What works illustrate the influence of music?

Answer 6

“The Weary Blues” (1307), “Dream Boogie” (1318), “Harlem” [“What happens to a dream deferred?”] (1319)