Thinking about the title of the poem, "Harlem (Dream Deferred)", what dream can we assume Langston Hughes is talking about? Explain what might happen if this dream is deferred. Use text evidence to help explain your answer!
What is a "dream deferred"?
a dream that is put off
a dream that you need support to accomplish
a dream that doesn't come true
a dream that you have to do by yourself
What is the meaning of the word 'fester' in the following line:
"Or fester like a sore--"
to get worse
to shrink
to rot
to heal
Which type of figurative language is represented in the following line:
"Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?"
hyperbole
metaphor
alliteration
simile
What does Langston Hughes believe happens to a dream that is deferred?
A dream that is deferred makes you more motivated.
A dream that is deferred has violent consequences.
A dream that is deferred makes you feel empty inside.
A dream that is deferred eventually fades away.
Which line of the poem does Langston Hughes probably feel the most strongly about?
Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or does it explode?
How does the reader know which line Langston Hughes feels most strongly about?
He starts with this line as the first possible answer.
He asks it as a question.
He uses a simile to show the importance of this line.
He ends with this line by putting it as its own stanza and putting it in italics.
What is most likely the theme of the poem, "Harlem (Dream Deferred)"?
Dreams come in all shapes and sizes.
There are negative consequences when dreams are put on hold.
It is a mystery what happens when dreams are not pursued.
Dreams are dangerous and should be avoided.
Which word choices from the poem BEST support the theme?
"What happens to a dream deferred"?
"Raisin in the sun"
"Stink," "rotten," "fester," "explode"
"sugar," "sweet"
What type of dream is Langston Hughes talking about in this poem?