Harlem (A Dream Deferred)by Langston Hughes

Harlem (A Dream 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?

Langston Hughes

Read the poem.

•Circle all unfamiliar words•As you wait for others to finish identify lines that catch your attention or about which you have questions.

Read the poem a second time.

•As you read consider what this poem says about how people react when their dreams don’t come true.•Hint: Hughes highlights six reactions Number them.

“What happens to a dream deferred?”

George Curley’s Wife

Crooks Lennie

For each square…• Quote the line from the poem which describes that character’s

reaction to his/her dream being deferred.• Provide an explanation of your choice and evidence to support

it.• Include an illustration of that person’s dream – it can be literal

or figurative.