First, review the slideshow about literary elements. Then, read “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes. Please also read the short biography about
Hughes and the article about the Harlem Renaissance.
After reading these materials, write about the poem. Consider the following questions:
How does the Harlem Renaissance feature in this poem? What is Hughes concern about the assignment he is being given by his white teacher? The college
“on the hill above Harlem” is Columbia University, an Ivy League school; what do you know about Columbia and the Ivy Leagues? How many non-white
students do you think attended these schools in the 1920s, when Hughes was a student? How does this affect the way his teacher might see him?
This poem is about the Columbia University equivalent of English 102 (English B, the second semester of freshmen English). As we begin our semester
together, what would you like me to know about you?
Theme for English B
BY LANGSTON HUGHES ( https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/langston-hughes)…
