Introduction
Langston Hughes was one of the most influential figures during the Harlem Renaissance and brought the African American experience to American literature and culture. Through his poetry, essays, plays, and stories, with the inspiration from jazz and blues, Hughes captured the struggles, and overall voices of his community. This WebQuest will guide you through his life, works, and impact on literature and society now.
Task
You will complete the following activities:
- Learn about Langston Hughes’ biography, major works, and overall contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.
- Analyze one of Hughes’ poems, plays or short stories to understand its themes and the cultural significance.
- Create a presentation or an essay on Hughes’ influence on our current modern literature and our civil rights.
Process
Step 1: Learn Langston Hughes Life
- Research Langston Hughes early life, education paths, and career(s). Focus on how all of his experiences influenced his writing.
Resources:
https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/langston-hughes
Questions to Answer:
- Where was Langston Hughes born, and how did his childhood influence his work?
- How did the Harlem Renaissance play in his career?
Step 2: His Major Works
- Choose and read one of Langston Hughes famous poems, Like "Dreams","The Negro Speaks of Rivers" or "I, Too" or examine one of his short stories, plays or essays.
Resources for poems:
https://www.poemhunter.com/langston-hughes/poems/
https://www.littleinfinite.com/langston-hughess-most-popular-poems/
Questions to Answer:
- What themes represent the work that was chosen?
- How does the writing reflect the social and issues of Hughes’ time?
Step 3: Understand His Impact
- Investigate how Langston Hughes influenced literature, art, and the civil rights movement and also how he was influenced himself.
Resources:
https://www.anoisewithin.org/langston-hughes-poetic-inspiration-lorraine-hansberry/
Questions to Answer:
- How did Hughes work inspire other writers and artists?
- Who was he inspired by and/or what?
Step 4: Create Your Project
Choose one of the following options:
- Presentation: Create a PowerPoint, video, or infographic using (Google Slides, Powerpoint, or Canva ) summarize Hughes’ life, and choose atleast 1 of his works to explain the specific purpose he would right that piece of work.
- Essay: Write a 500–700-word essay analyzing Hughes’ life and culture how he relates his life to his literature.
Evaluation
Evaluation
Your work will be evaluated based on:
- Accuracy of the research.
- Originality and Creativity in presenting the information.
- Clear and well-organized presentation or essay.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes work continues to resonate today in modern literature, offering insights into identity, and the hard fight for justice. By completing this WebQuest, you will not only gain a deeper appreciation for Hughes but also understand the power of art in shaping society and how it lasts.