Langston Hughes was a prominent figure in which literary and cultural movement?
Transcendentalism
Surrealism
The Great Awakening
The Harlem Renaissance
In lines 11 and 12, the poet uses
alliteration to create a sense of monotony
When the speaker says, "Democracy will not come / Today, this year / Nor ever," what figurative language is used to emphasize the idea?
Personification
Allusion
Metaphor
Alliteration
Which two phrases from the poem rely on idioms?
To stand / On my two feet ((AND)) Tomorrow is another day.
In "Democracy," what is the tone of the poem as the poet discusses the delayed arrival of democracy?
Bitter and frustrated
Joyful and optimistic
Apathetic and indifferent
Confident and assertive
What is the speaker's attitude towards democracy in the poem?
Indifferent and apathetic
Reverent and hopeful
Hostile and critical
Confused and uncertain
In lines 15–18, the author uses a metaphor to show —
that freedom is a desired state many people require to thrive
"I have as much right/ As the other fellow has/ To stand/ On my two feet/ And own the land." Select two words that describe the speaker’s tone in this stanza.
Forthright and Ardent
What is the central theme of Langston Hughes's poem "Democracy"?
Patriotism
Economic prosperity
Political freedom
Racial inequality
"I do not need my freedom when I’m dead. I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread." In these lines the speaker is stating that —
it is no good to wait for change in a vague future when change must happen now.
In Langston Hughes's poem "Democracy," what does the speaker suggest is the nature of democracy?
A static and unchanging ideal
An active, engaged process
A cold and distant concept
A harmonious system
How does the first stanza of the poem introduce the speaker’s message?
It suggests that democracy is won through principle and struggle.
What does the poem "Democracy" suggest about the government's treatment of African Americans during the time it was written?
They were marginalized and excluded.
They were treated with respect and fairness.
They had a significant influence on policy.
They were given equal opportunities.
How does the poem "Democracy" conclude in terms of the possibility of democracy arriving?
It ends with a call to action for change.
It ends with a celebration of progress made.
It ends on a pessimistic note with no hope.
It ends by suggesting democracy has already arrived.
Which literary device does Hughes use in the line "Democracy will not come today, this year" to emphasize the delayed arrival of democracy?
allusion
alliteration
personification
repetition