Poetry Analysis Practice
Now that we have a feeling for spoken word poems, let's practice analyzing the content of a poem. This is going to help as we read Bronx Masquerade, as each character writes a poem that typically represents their obstacles, and furthers their character development.
Since the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes is what sparks this whole novel, let's explore his work.
Harlem
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?
With a partner, work together to fill out this graphic organizer which breaks down the poem into smaller features that are easier to analyze.
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