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

Introduction

Langston Hughes' poem "Refugee in America" poignantly expresses the complexities of freedom and liberty through evocative language, vivid imagery, and a reflective tone. The poem elucidates the speaker's emotional response to these concepts, which are deeply rooted in personal and collective experiences of suffering and hope. An analysis of Hughes’ work through the lens of word choice, imagery, and theme reveals the profound significance of the struggles faced by refugees seeking freedom in America.

Word Choice

Hughes employs specific and impactful word choice to convey the depth of feeling associated with freedom and liberty. The use of words like "sweet" and "wonderful" when describing freedom evokes a sense of joy and beauty, highlighting its importance to the speaker. This is juxtaposed with the phrase "almost make me cry," which indicates a contrasting emotional depth rooted in pain and longing. The weight of word choice in the lines "If you had known what I knew / You would know why," evokes empathy and suggests that the listener's understanding of freedom is limited by their experiences. This careful selection of words not only illustrates the duality of hope and despair but also invites the reader to reflect on their own perceptions of these timeless values.

Imagery

Imagery plays a crucial role in making the emotional landscape of the poem tangible to the reader. Hughes' poignant phrases create mental pictures that appeal to the senses, illuminating the speaker’s feelings about living as a refugee. For instance, "On my heart-strings, freedom sings" conjures the image of music resonating deeply within, suggesting that freedom is not merely an abstract concept but a visceral experience. This imagery of music enhances the theme of longing for freedom, as it suggests a deep connection between one's emotional state and the essence of freedom itself. In this way, Hughes utilizes vivid imagery to transform abstract themes into relatable experiences, allowing the reader to empathize with the refugee's plight.

Theme

The overarching theme of "Refugee in America" reflects the struggle for freedom and the profound emotional toll of seeking liberty in the face of adversity. Freedom, as depicted in the poem, is not just a privilege; it is deeply connected to the speaker's identity and existence. Hughes underscores the idea that understanding freedom requires confronting pain, as evidenced by the line "If you had known what I knew." This deeply personal reflection speaks to the broader narratives of refugees who bear the burden of their past while striving for a better life. The theme is further amplified by the contrasting emotions of hope and sorrow, encapsulating the dual nature of the human experience in the search for liberty and acceptance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Langston Hughes' "Refugee in America" is a poignant exploration of freedom and its complex emotional landscape through careful word choice, vivid imagery, and a reflective theme. The poem resonates with those who have faced hardship and struggle, allowing for a deep connection with the broader human experience of seeking liberty. Hughes’ ability to transform these weighty themes into accessible language and relatable imagery invites readers to engage with the realities of being a refugee, highlighting the universal yearning for freedom and belonging. Through this analysis, we gain insight into the enduring relevance of Hughes’ work and its powerful message of hope amidst adversity.