Read this excerpt from “Freedom's Plow” by Langston Hughes.

Question

Down into the earth went the plow

In the free hands and the slave hands,

In indentured hands and adventurous hands,

What theme does this excerpt support?

Every American farm supported a number of families.
People of all social standings contributed to America’s success.
Enslaved people and free citizens forged close friendships in America.
Some people worked harder than others on early American farms.

Answer 1

The theme that this excerpt from "Freedom's Plow" supports is: People of all social standings contributed to America’s success.

The mention of "free hands and the slave hands," along with "indentured hands and adventurous hands," emphasizes the diverse contributions of various groups—both enslaved and free individuals—towards the agricultural development and success of America.