POEM

Question

“Refugee in America”
by Langston Hughes :
There are words like Freedom
Sweet and wonderful to say
On my heart-strings, freedom sings
All day every day.

There are words like Liberty
That almost make me cry.
If you had known what I knew
You would know why.

Read the poem, “Refugee in America” by Langston Hughes.

Use the graphic organizer on the second page to complete a TWIST Analysis. “TWIST” is an acronym for the literary devices Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme.

The first box of the graphic organizer contains the literary devices and their definitions. Research and place a picture in the second box that represents the literary device of the poem. Finally, provide text evidence in the third box to support the picture you selected.

Using the information in the graphic organizer, write a five paragraph analysis of the poem. Please choose three of the five TWIST categories to write your analysis.
(EXAMPLE)
TITLE- A single line of text that introduces and summarizes a piece of writing.
TONE - The way the author expresses their attitude through their writing.

WORD CHOICE - The author’s use of specific words to “show” the reader rather than tell them. Adjectives are descriptive.

IMAGERY - The use of the 5 senses and figurative language.
STYLE - Refers to the author’s purpose for writing and the way they use words. Literary Styles:
Descriptive, Expository, Narrative, & Persuasive.
THEME - One or two words that express the moral lesson of the story.

Text Evidence : The title of the poem, “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes implies that this text is about the relationship between a mother and her son.

Text Evidence : In the poem, “Mother to Son,” by Langston Huges, the following stanzas represents hope and optimism:

“But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners…” “So boy, don’t you turn back.”

Text Evidence : In the poem, “Mother to Son,” by Langston Hughes, the word choice includes adjectives such as bare and torn to create an atmosphere

“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it…”

“So boy, don’t you turn back.”

“Don’t you set down on the steps.”

Text Evidence :

Text Evidence :

Text Evidence :

SKILL - (EXAMPLE) TITLE: Read the title of a text and make an inference about its subject, characters, and theme.
REFLECTION -
I am able to read the title of a text and make inferences about it. For example, I can infer that the poem, “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes is about the love and bond shared between a mother and her son.

SKILL - TONE: Read a text and analyze the author’s attitude based on their writing.
I am able to read a text and analyze the author’s attitude based on their writing. For example, in the text the author states, “So boy, don’t you turn back.” which is hopeful and optimistic.
Reflection : I am able to read a text and analyze the author’s attitude based on their writing. For example, in the text the author states, “So boy, don’t you turn back.” which is hopeful and optimistic.

SKILL - WORD CHOICE: Read a text and analyze how the author uses specific words to “show” the reader rather than tell them.

SKILL - IMAGERY: Read a text and analyze the 5 senses and figurative language.

SKILL - STYLE: Read a text and analyze the author’s purpose and words.

SKILL - THEME: Read a text and analyze the moral lesson of the story by using one or two words.

5-PARAGRAPH TWIST ANALYSIS

DIRECTIONS: Using the information in the graphic organizer, write a five paragraph analysis of the poem. Please choose three of the five TWIST categories to write your analysis.

Answer 1

Five-Paragraph TWIST Analysis of "Refugee in America" by Langston Hughes

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Langston Hughes' poem "Refugee in America" captures the emotional turmoil of an individual navigating the complex concepts of freedom and liberty in a new land. Through his use of tone, word choice, and imagery, Hughes creates a poignant commentary on the experience of refugees in America. By exploring these three elements, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound longing for freedom and the stark reality faced by those who seek it.

Paragraph 2: Tone
The tone of "Refugee in America" is deeply reflective and tinged with sorrow. Hughes conveys a sense of yearning and emotional weight through lines like "If you had known what I knew / You would know why." This indicates that the speaker has experienced profound suffering and loss, suggesting that freedom, while sweet, is also accompanied by grief and struggle. The raw emotion in his words invites the reader to empathize with the speaker, positioning freedom as not merely an ideal, but a hard-won aspiration inseparable from personal history.

Paragraph 3: Word Choice
Hughes employs carefully chosen words to enhance the emotional impact of the poem. The contrasting words "Freedom" and "Liberty" carry significant weight and exhibit how these abstract concepts resonate with deep personal significance. By describing freedom as “sweet and wonderful” yet associating liberty with tears, Hughes underscores the dichotomy between the ideal of freedom and the painful experiences that often accompany its pursuit. This word choice illuminates the complexity of the refugee experience, compelling readers to consider both the joy and sorrow intertwined with seeking a new life.

Paragraph 4: Imagery
Imagery in "Refugee in America" vividly evokes the painful realities of the speaker's past and the fervent hopes for a better future. Phrases like “my heart-strings” suggest a deep emotional connection to the concepts of freedom and liberty, emphasizing the personal nature of these ideas. The use of sensory language engages readers, allowing them to visualize the struggle and yearning behind the pursuit of these ideals. This strong imagery reinforces the speaker's plight, making the abstract concepts of freedom and liberty feel tangible and urgent.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion
In "Refugee in America," Langston Hughes masterfully employs tone, word choice, and imagery to explore the complex realities faced by refugees. The reflective and sorrowful tone, combined with poignant word choices and vivid imagery, underscores the speaker's emotional journey towards understanding freedom. By weaving together these elements, Hughes invites readers to contemplate the profound significance of freedom and liberty, particularly for those who have faced adversity in their quest for a new beginning. Ultimately, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of struggle.