Question

In "I, Too" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," what central ideas about the African American experience does Langston Hughes convey? Choose TWO options.

A-African Americans have a proud heritage.

B-African Americans have experienced equality.

C-African Americans will one day enjoy equality.

D-African Americans have made major strides in the arts.

E-Many African Americans resented working as servants.

F-Many African Americans know too little of their cultural past.

Answer 1

The central ideas about the African American experience conveyed in Langston Hughes' "I, Too" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" are:

A- African Americans have a proud heritage.

F- Many African Americans know too little of their cultural past.

In "I, Too," the speaker asserts his identity as an African American and declares that he, too, is an American. He also affirms his pride in his heritage and states that despite being discriminated against, he will rise above it.

In "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," the speaker traces the history of African Americans to the ancient rivers of the world. By doing so, he emphasizes the deep roots of African American culture and heritage. He also highlights the resilience and strength of African Americans in the face of oppression and slavery.

Both poems convey a sense of pride in African American identity and heritage, and emphasize the importance of understanding and celebrating this cultural legacy.

Answer 2

A and F.

Langston Hughes conveys the central ideas that African Americans have a proud heritage and that many African Americans know too little of their cultural past in both "I, Too" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."

In "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," Hughes connects the African American experience to the ancient and powerful roots of civilization by depicting the rivers as a symbol of the long history of Black people, emphasizing their connection to an ancient and noble heritage.

In "I, Too," Hughes asserts the idea that despite being oppressed and marginalized, African Americans have a strong sense of pride in their heritage and will not be defeated by their oppressors. The poem presents a hopeful vision of the future, in which African Americans will achieve equality and be treated as equal citizens.

Overall, both poems celebrate the rich cultural heritage of African Americans while also acknowledging the challenges and injustices they have faced and continue to face.