The American Dream
A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes
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?
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?
Read the passage carefully. Then answer these questions:
1. Describe in your own words what the American Dream was.
2. What is the American Dream today? How has it changed? In your opinion, what caused this change?
3. For some people, the American Dream became a nightmare. Why? Give at least three reasons.
4. According to the poem, "A Dream Deferred," what is Langston Hughes’ view about dreams?
1. Describe in your own words what the American Dream was.
2. What is the American Dream today? How has it changed? In your opinion, what caused this change?
3. For some people, the American Dream became a nightmare. Why? Give at least three reasons.
4. According to the poem, "A Dream Deferred," what is Langston Hughes’ view about dreams?