Monday, June 6, 2011

Do Now: What do you know about The Great Depression of 1929?

Classwork:

The Depression had a tremendous impact on the Harlem Renaissance.

Langston Hughes reacts to this catastrophe in

Harlem

5 10 15 20

Here on the edge of hell Stands Harlem— Remembering the old lies, The old kicks in the back, The old “Be patient” They told us before. Sure, we remember. Now when the man at the corner store Says sugar’s gone up another two cents, And bread one, And there’s a new tax on cigarettes— We remember the job we never had, Never could get, And can’t have now Because we’re colored. So we stand here On the edge of hell In Harlem And look out on the world And wonder What we’re gonna do In the face of what We remember.

and in...

"Dreams Deferred" 

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?

Homework: Your research paper is due tomorrow!