Poetic Analysis of “Harlem (Dream Deferred)”
(100 points)
We have talked about the Three Pillars and Poetry and the poetic devices in our Poetic Terms Toolbox. Your
task is to write an essay that analyzes the meaning of Langston Hughes’ poem, “Harlem (Dream Deferred).”
Your task is to write a well-crafted, proofread essay in which you support the following thesis using at least
three poetic devices from the word bank below. Circle the terms in the word bank that you plan on using in
your essay!
Langston Hughes’ poem, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is
about what happens when dreams are put on hold for too
long.
Use the graphic organizer on the back of this paper to plan your analysis before you write. You may use your
cheat-sheet, but that is the only thing from your notebook that you can use for help during this test!
Terms to Think About:
Symbolism
Imagery
Rhyme scheme
Mood
Tone
Simile
Alliteration
Caesura
Theme
Harlem (Dream Deferred)
by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore - And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Tone
Stanza
End stop
Enjambment