Name: ________________________

Langston Hughes: A Poem Study

We have discussed Langston Hughes as a part of African-American History and

Cultural Month. He is considered one of the United States finest poets and the voice of
the Black community from the 1920ís through the 1960ís. In February 2002, the U.S.
Postal service issued a stamp honoring him.

Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.

To fling my arms wide

In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening ...
A tall slim tree ...
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.

--- From "Dream Variations" by Langston Hughes

1. Which words from the poem tell how the speaker describes his daytime?

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B.________________________________________

C.________________________________________

2. Which words from the poem best tell how the speaker describes his evening?

A.________________________________________

B.________________________________________

C.________________________________________

3. Which words does the speaker use to describe his appearance?

A.________________________________________

B.________________________________________
Page 3

4. What is the main purpose of the three exclamation marks in the third line of the poem
(circle one answer)?
A. To finish the stanza
B. To point out differences
C. To show excitement
D. To make the words rhyme
5. What point of view is used in this poem (circle one answer)?
A. First person, a tree
B. Third person, the sun
C. First person, a dancer
D. Third person, the night

6. Which of the following words best describe the speaker in the poem (circle one
answer)?
A. confused
B. free and joyful
C. calm and restful
D. angry

7. Which sentence best tells about the theme of the poem (circle one answer)?
A. The speaker is looking for a chance to dance.
B. The speaker is trying to write a description of a tree.
C. The speaker is describing the feeling of being able to rest at the
end of a day.
D. The speaker is trying to describe the night.

8. Using some of the ideas in items #1 - #7, write a paragraph describing the poem.
You may include your own opinion. Use correct paragraph style (indented, topic
sentence, supporting details, and summary sentence), correct spelling, punctuation,
grammar and capitalization. Use the back of this page. Proofread and correct your own
errors. Use a dictionary.

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