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The Granger Collection

Hold Fast to Dreams

Langston Hughes: a biography in poems

photo of kristin lewis
By Kristin Lewis
From the Issue

Learning Objective: to analyze the connection between lines of poetry and events in the play

Other Key Skills: figurative language, text features, key ideas, inference
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Activities (5)
Quizzes (2)
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Answer Key (1)
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Activities (5) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Quizzes (2)
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Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

1. PREPARING TO READ

2. READING THE PLAY (30 minutes)

3. SKILL BUILDING

Differentiated Writing Prompts
For Struggling Readers

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?

For Advanced Readers

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

Text-to-Speech