Lyric Poems

• Type of Poem: Lyric• A poem that expresses feelings.• Does NOT tell a story.• Usually short• Imply strong emotions – but they don’t

necessarily come out and tell you.• Have meter, don’t always rhyme.• Originally set to music (hence the lyrics).

• Harlem Renaissance • Movement that started in Harlem

New York among African Americans in the 1920s.• Explored the historical experiences

and the contemporary experiences of black life in the urban North.• Celebrated black dignity and

creativity.• Wanted to express themselves on

their own terms, they explored their identities as black Americans, celebrating the black culture that had emerged out of slavery, as well as cultural ties to Africa.

Langston Hughes (1902-1967)• One of the most famous American poets• Born in Joplin, MO and spent time living in

Mexico• Known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of

black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. • His life and work were enormously important in

shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.• He wanted to tell the stories of his people in

ways that reflected their actual culture, including both their suffering and their love of music, laughter, and language itself

Refugee in America pg. 497

1. What emotions are being expressed in the poem? Give specific lines/examples for why.

2. Hughes calls himself a refugee – he’s not really a refugee, but an American citizen. What poetic element is he using?

3. Why is he calling himself a refugee? 4. What are the connotations (implied meanings, feelings,

emotions) of the words used? Refugee, Freedom, Liberty.5. What is the underlying message of this poem? (Think in

terms of this being the Harlem Renaissance.)

DreamsBy Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreamsFor if dreams dieLife is a broken-winged birdThat cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreamsFor when dreams goLife is a barren fieldFrozen with snow.

Answer the following questions in your notebook with a partner.

1. Give two reasons for why this is a lyric poem.

2. Find 2 poetic elements. Define them and describe how they’re used in the poem.

3. What is the message of this poem?

4. Compare/contrast “Dreams” with “Refugee in America”

Before We Read…• In your notes, jot down your ideas for the following questions:

1. Think of what love and friendship mean. What are the connotations? (What are the feelings associated with each? What images do you see in your mind when you hear the words? What do the words imply?)

2. Are there different types of love? Of friendship? Explain.

3. In your experience, how are they different? How are they the same?

Love and Friendship Emily Bronte

LOVE is like the wild rose-briar; Friendship like the holly-tree.

The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms,

But which will bloom most constantly?

The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring, Its summer blossoms scent the air;

Yet wait till winter comes again, And who will call the wild-briar fair?

Then, scorn the silly rose-wreath now, And deck thee with holly's sheen,

That, when December blights thy brow, He still may leave thy garland green.

1. Bronte says love is the wild rose-briar (a rose bush). What qualities is she giving love? What is the connotation of the word love?

2. Bronte says friendship is the holly-tree. What qualities is she giving friendship? What is the connotation of the word friendship?

3. How are love and friendship different according to Bronte?

4. Which does she say is better: love or friendship? Why?

5. Find 2 poetic elements in this poem. Describe how they are used.