Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why are there so many metaphors in this poem? What does the use of metaphor accomplish, do you think?
- Even though this is a poem about the African-American experience, the words "African-American" are never explicitly mentioned. Is this poem only applicable to the African-American experience, or can it be applied to the experiences of other groups of people as well?
- Why do you think the poem is written in three stanzas?
- Given that this poem is also a "song," what does it suggest about the relationship between music and poetry?
- Back in 1900, when this poem was written, African-Americans were a long way from equal rights. Why are the speakers of this poem so hopeful about achieving their freedom?