Harlem Renaissance: Langston Hughes in the History Classroom

Step I
Conduct a VTS inquiry with students about this image.

Step II  

Ponder the title of the poem; what do you think it will be about?

Title: The Negro Speaks of Rivers

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Step III

Read the poem aloud … Yes, I’ll need a volunteer ! !

The Negro Speaks of Rivers
by Langston Hughes

I've known rivers:

I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the

flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln

went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy

bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Step III

Paraphrase each stanza of the poem into your own words.

Step IV

Listen to LANGSTON Hughes’ reading of his poem.     *click here

STEP V

What are the Connotations of this poem? : Contemplate the poem for meaning beyond the literal. What do the words mean beyond the obvious? What are the implications, the hints, the suggestions of these particular word choices?

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Step VI

PLOT: provide a brief summary of places and/or events mentioned in the poem.

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Step VI:

 SUBJECT:

What is or are the subjects of the poem?  Provide a short list of place, or people mentioned or inferred.

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STEP VI

Theme: In identifying theme, recognize the human experience, motivation, or condition suggested by the poem.  (Plot + Subject(s))

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How does this image reflect the poem by Hughes?

Write five to ten sentences in your journal that answers this question.

1.     What is the meaning behind Hughes’ poem?

An example of COMPLETED STUDENT WORK from a real high school student  ! !