The Negro Speaks of Rivers
What’s inside...
Langston Hughes's poem 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' is a powerful expression of the African-American experience, written when he was just seventeen. Artist E.B. Lewis enhances the poem with his watercolor illustrations, paying tribute to Hughes's timeless work. The poem, which uses rivers as a metaphor for the journey of black people in America, was first published in 1921 and is considered one of Hughes's most famous works. Langston Hughes has long been acknowledged as the voice, and his poem, 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers', the song, of the Harlem Renaissance. Although he was only seventeen when he composed it, Hughes already had the insight to capture in words the strength and courage of black people in America. Artist E.B. Lewis acts as interpreter and visionary, using watercolor to pay tribute to Hughes's timeless poem, a poem that every child deserves to know.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the rivers in the poem connect with the experiences of the people mentioned?
Why do you believe Langston Hughes chose rivers as a symbol in his poem?
What emotions do you feel when you read about the different rivers and their histories?
How does the idea of a river flowing for thousands of years make you think about history and your own life?
What do you think the poet wants us to learn or remember about these rivers and the people connected to them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explain the significance of rivers in history as sources of life and travel routes, which could help your child grasp the metaphor used in the poem.
Pause after reading about each river in the poem to discuss its historical and cultural significance, making connections to what your child has learned in school or seen in documentaries.
Encourage your child to express how the poem makes them feel, and share your own feelings to foster an open dialogue.
Ask your child to draw a river and add elements around it that they learned from the poem, discussing each element's significance as they draw.
Relate the theme of the poem to current events or personal experiences to help your child understand the lasting importance of history and personal heritage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating cultural heritage
Explanation: Through the eloquent verses in 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers', Hughes connects the soul and history of the African-American community to the great rivers of the world, illustrating a deep, timeless connection to ancestral roots.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own history and culture, and gain a better understanding of the importance of diversity and the richness it brings to society.
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression through poetry
Explanation: Langston Hughes uses poetry as a form of expression and empowerment, articulating complex emotions and histories with simple, yet powerful, prose.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore poetry or other forms of art as a healthy outlet for expressing themselves and communicating their thoughts and feelings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The poem's recurring theme of enduring rivers mirrors the resilience of the African-American community through hardships and injustices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Sense of belonging and identity
Explanation: Hughes' narrative instills a strong sense of pride and identity by linking the present generation with the ancient rivers and civilizations, grounding identity in historical continuity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to find confidence in their identity and see themselves as part of a larger continuum of history and society.