Question

Why are different rivers listed in this stanza from Langston Hughes's The Negro Speaks of Rivers?

I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.

A) Listing rivers from historical times, Lincoln's time, and current times has established connections between people and regions.
B) Listing rivers in America and Africa, and mentioning Abraham Lincoln has meant establishing connections between diverse cultures.
C) Listing directives throughout the world and across time has established the connection between nature and human activities.
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Langston Hughes lists different rivers in his poem to illustrate the deep connection between various cultures, periods in history, and the enduring nature of human experiences alongside prominent waterways like the Euphrates, Congo, Nile, and Mississippi.

Step-by-step explanation:

The different rivers listed in the stanza from Langston Hughes's The Negro Speaks of Rivers serve to establish connections between diverse cultures and historical periods. When Hughes references rivers such as the Euphrates, the Congo, the Nile, and the Mississippi, he is connecting the collective experiences and histories of African and African-American peoples to these waterways, which have been central to civilizations and cultural identities. The mention of Abraham Lincoln alongside these rivers further bridges the gap between past and present, highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

The stanza "I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins" suggests a deep connection to nature and the continuity of human history that predates modern societies. By saying his soul has grown deep like the rivers, Hughes emphasizes the profound and enduring spiritual connection between people and the natural world, as well as the influence of these rivers on human activities and civilizations.