Essential questions: What is the purpose of poetry? What does it mean to feel like an outsider? What does it take to follow your dream?
Hold Fast to Dreams
Langston Hughes: a biography in poems
Learning Objective: to analyze the connection between lines of poetry and events in the play
Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building
1. PREPARING TO READ
2. READING THE PLAY (30 minutes)
3. SKILL BUILDING
Langston’s parents do not support his dream of becoming a writer. What are their reasons for suggesting other paths? What are his reasons for following his dream?
At different points in the play, both of Langston’s parents try to discourage him from becoming a writer. Imagine that you are Old Langston. Write a letter to James and Carrie, explaining why you chose not to abandon your dream and how you feel about your decision.
Literature Connection: Other literature and art related to the Harlem Renaissance
"Thank You, M’am”
by Langston Hughes (short story)
The Block (1971)
by Romare Bearden (artwork)
No Crystal Stair
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson