Harlem Renaissance Quiz
Born in Louisville, Kentucky but raised in New York and was adopted by a black activist. He attended NYU.
Countee Cullen
6. So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds, And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds.
He is speaking about hiding his sadness and continuing to water his garden of night blooming flowers even though it is agonizing.
Zora Neale Hurston
How it feels to be colored me
2. I've known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers... My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
Hughes is referring to how africans/african americans have spent thousands of years around ancient rivers. His soul is 'deep' meaning he has great attachment and history with the rivers and his people.
First african american to earn national recognition for his writing, he was the son of slaves. He worked in an elevator where he wrote his poems and gave them to people riding the elevator.
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Langston Hughes
The Negro Speaks of rivers
5. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes.
When working as a slave or in someones house, african americans weren't allowed to sit with the white people and were sent into a different room because of their race.
Countee Cullen (2)
From the Dark Tower
3. Why should the world be over-wise, In counting all our tears and sighs? Nay, let them only see us, while We wear the mask.
He is talking about how african americans cry and are frustrated with their treatment, but they only show the world a brave and happy face.
4. Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: To make a poet black and bid him sing!
He is wondering why God would make a poet black because african americans were living such a challenging life under lots of scrutiny at the time.
Langston Hugues
I, too
Why was the Harlem Renaissance significant?
It was a time where many african americans explored what they could do through art. Many new art forms were born during this such as jazz.
Was born in Joplin, Missouri to well educated parents and went to columbia university. He was the first african american to support himself through writing.
Langston Hughes
1. Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It's beyond me.
She is talking about her reaction to racism. Instead of being angry, she is shocked because she thinks the people discriminating against her are missing out.
Paul Laurence Dunbar (2)
Sympathy
Paul Laurence Dunbar
We wear the mask
Countee Cullen
Yet do I Marvel
Raised in Eatonville, an all black town. She didn't realize the racial injustices facing her until she moved away from Eatonville.
Zora Neale Hurston