Name:tyler westby

Class: 3Michael

Read the following poem and answer the question that follows.

Theme for English B

by Langston Hughes

The instructor said,

      Go home and write

a page tonight.
And let that page come out of you—
Then, it will be true.

I wonder if it’s that simple?

I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem.
I went to school there, then Durham, then here
to this college on the hill above Harlem.
I am the only colored student in my class.
The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem,
through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas,
Eighth Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y,
the Harlem Branch Y, where I take the elevator
up to my room, sit down, and write this page:

It’s not easy to know what is true for you or me

at twenty-two, my age. But I guess I’m what
I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you.
hear you, hear me—we two—you, me, talk on this page.
(I hear New York, too.) Me—who?

Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.

I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.
I like a pipe for a Christmas present,
or records—Bessie, bop, or Bach.
I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like
the same things other folks like who are other races.
So will my page be colored that I write?
Being me, it will not be white.
But it will be
a part of you, instructor.
You are white—
yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.
That’s American.
Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be a part of me.
Nor do I often want to be a part of you.
But we are, that’s true!
As I learn from you,
I guess you learn from me—
although you’re older—and white—
and somewhat more free.

This is my page for English B.

1. In your own words, analyze the poem “Theme for English B”. (3 pts)

This poem is about the speaker’s attitude, interests, and background. The professor asks the
narrator to write a page about himself. The speaker begins his assignment, providing some
necessary autobiographical details because he wants true. After talking about his age, academic
history and identity, he unveils a crucial reality that he is the only colored student in his class. He
believes people belonging to different casts, color and identities share common interests. Also,
he writes that his assignment will not fully represent him. Willingly or unwillingly, they both
influence each other. In this way, all of his doubts, questions, and hesitations become his page
for English B.

2. List and explain 5 literary devices found in the poem. (5 pts)

Imagery, rhetorical question, personification alliteration and repetition

3. Select 3 important phrases and explain the significance of each one.(3 pts)
I am the only colored student in my class .he is the only black student
You are white yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. They are both americans
This is my page for English B. ends by referring to his page

4. In no more than 4 sentences, explain the connection the poet’s (life) biography has to the
poem he wrote. (5 pts) the connection is that he wishes that people wouldn’t judge him
for his skin colour
5. What are two (2) themes found in this poem? Explain them. (4 pts)
creativity, and racism