The Negro Speaks of Rivers Theme of Race

In this poetry analysis worksheet, students explore the theme of race in the Langston Hughes "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," as they read an excerpt about the perspectives that black people throughout history have taken with regards to overcoming injustice. Students then respond to a question about race in the poem and a question about the significance of the poem’s title. Students also debate the validity of a thesis statement about the imagery evoked in the poem.