Negro The South I am a Negro: Black as the night is black, Black like the depths of my Africa. I've been a slave: Caesar told me to keep his door-steps clean. I brushed the boots of Washington. I've been a worker: Under my hand the Pyramids arose. I made the mortar for the Woolworth Building. I've been a singer: All the way from Africa to Georgia I carried my sorrow songs. I made ragtime. I've been a victim: The Belgians cut off my hands in the Congo. They lynch me still in Mississippi. I'm a Negro: Black as the night is black. Blake like the depths of Africa.

Discussion Questions Where are the main ideas in this poem? Details? What does being black mean to the narrator? Provide evidence that this person has had a difficult life. Which phrase is a simile? What comparisons are being made?

 

The South The lazy, laughing South With blood on its mouth. The sunny-faced South, Beast-strong, Idiot-brained. The child-minded South Scratching in the dead fire's ashes For a Negro's bones. Cotton and the moon, Warmth, earth, warmth, The sky, the sun, the stars, The Magnolia-scented South. Beautiful, like a woman, Seductive as a dark-eyed whore, Passionate, cruel, Honey-lipped, syphilitic - This is the South. And I, who am black, would love her But she spits in my face. And I, who am black Would give her many rare gifts But she turns her back upon me. So now I see the North - the cold-faced North, For she, they say, Is a kinder mistress, And in her house my children

Discussion Questions What human characteristics are given to The South? What comparison's are made? What feeling do you get from this poem? What are some descriptive phrases used in this poem?

Hungry Child Hungry child I didn't make this world for you. You didn't buy any stock in my railroad. You didn't invest in my corporation. Where are your shares in standard oil? I made the world for the rich And the will-be-rich And the have-always-been-rich. Nor for you, Hungry child.

Discussion Questions What is the author's message? Have you ever felt the way this child must feel? Explain. The writer almost makes it seem like it is the child's fault he's hungry. Provide support. Is society the same today? Explain.

My People The night is beautiful So the faces of my people. The stars are beautiful, So the eyes of my people. Beautiful, also, is the sun. Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people.

Discussion Questions What is being compared in this poem? How does the poet feel about his people? What items from nature can you compare with people? Would your comparison be as "positive" as this one? What message might Hughes be trying to get across?

I, TOO I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed - - I, too, am America.

Discussion Questions Describe this person's lifestyle. Provide text to support your answer. How does the narrator handle this treatment? What are this person's future plans? Why might he/she feel this way? Do you think the narrator is male or female? Explain.

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