QUESTIONS USED FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT LANGSTON HUGHES' 'THEME FOR ENGLISH B':

What is the point of view of the author of Theme for English B?

How is Langston Hughes’ poem Theme for English B about the injustices of the African American struggle for equality?

How does Hughes use language to illustrate exactly how an African-American man feels, acts, and what he does in everyday life?

What is the clear point that Hughes tries to get across to his teacher?  What is he saying about similarities and differences?

What does Hughes wonder about in relation to the grading of his paper?

What is Hughes asking for?  What ISN’T he asking for?  What does he know in relation to this request?  Why does he feel this way?

What does Hughes say about impacts?

What is Hughes' only meager wish?

What rhetorical devices does the poet employ to present his ideas?  How do these elements help to create meaning in the poem?

How does it feel to be in a situation that is different from what you might be used to experiencing?

What is meant by the idea that “each of us has a story inside of us”?

How can we tell our own personal stories through the use of a narrative poem?

How do Hughes’ choice of word length, sound, and connotation make a difference in this piece?

Who is Hughes addressing – who is his audience for this piece?

Why does he describe where he walks?

Give examples of effective verbs (senses) and noun phrases.

Why does Hughes use the words college, colored, white, and America?

What things shade our reactions?

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