A suitable picture to accompany Langston Hughes's poem “Refugee in America” would be an image of an open sky with a sunrise breaking over a horizon. This visual representation captures the themes of hope and longing for freedom, which resonate throughout the poem.
Text Evidence to Support the Choice:
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Freedom and Emotions: The line “There are words like Freedom / Sweet and wonderful to say” evokes positive connotations associated with freedom, suggesting that the concept is uplifting and deeply cherished. An image of a vibrant sunrise symbolizes new beginnings and the hope that comes with freedom, mirroring the “sweet” aspect of the word.
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Personal Struggle: The phrase “If you had known what I knew / You would know why” reflects a poignant, personal struggle that contrasts with the beauty of freedom. The image of a vast, open sky can be interpreted as representing both the limits of one’s past struggles and the expansive possibilities of freedom. It conveys the tone of yearning and the complexity of the refugee experience, which is highlighted in the poem.
In summary, an image of a sunrise over an open sky beautifully encapsulates the contrasting emotions of hope and suffering found in Hughes's poem, effectively illustrating the word choice and tone.