8-Authors of the Harlem Renaissance

Authors of the Harlem Renaissance:

Authors of the Harlem Renaissance

Do Now:

Do Now 1. What is the best piece of writing you have ever read? (Book, poem, short story, etc). 2. Who wrote that piece of writing? 3. Why did you like that piece of writing so much? Did it have a message? If so, what was it? 4.. Did you feel like the author of the piece of writing understood you?

Creating Author Brochures:

Creating Author Brochures In this class period, you will pick a Harlem Renaissance poet to honor with an Author Brochure. You have a choice between three poets: Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Paul Dunbar. Information about each poet is enclosed in this packet. Let’s read about each poet first, and then make a selection!

Paul Dunbar:

Paul Dunbar The Colored Soldiers Paul Dunbar I will sing a stirring song I will sing a song heroic Of these noble sons of Ham Of these gallant colored soldiers Who fought for Uncle Sam! In the early days you scorned them And with many flip and flout Said “These battles are the white man’s” And the whites will fight them out Then distress fell on the nation And the flag was drooping low Should the dust pollute your flag? No! The nation shouted, No! So when war, in savage triumph Spread abroad his funeral pall Then you called the colored soldiers And they answered to your call. And like hounds unleashed and eager For the life blood of the spray They sprang forth and fought so bravely In the thickest of the fray.

Countee Cullen:

Countee Cullen The Wise Countee Cullen Dead men are wisest, for they know How far the roots of flowers go, How long a seed must rot to grow. Dead men alone bear frost and rain On throbless heart and heatless brain, And feel no stir of joy or pain. Dead men alone are satiate; They sleep and dream and have no weight, To curb their rest, of love or hate. Strange, men should flee their company, Or think me strange who long to be Wrapped in their cool immunity.

Langston Hughes:

Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. Langston Hughes I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America.

Setting Up Your Brochure:

Setting Up Your Brochure Pick one of these three poets that you find particularly interesting Read through their biographical information Create an “author’s brochure,” using the steps and diagram laid out on your worksheet.

Parts of the Brochure:

Parts of the Brochure First, fold the paper as demonstrated, so that it is folded along equal thirds Cover : Author’s name, dates of birth and death, and a picture Inside Page #1 : Write a paragraph or 2 about the author’s life. Include a drawing of at least 1 important event in their life. Inside Page #2 : Write a paragraph about the type of writing this author did: poetry, books, plays? Noth-ing goes here!!

Parts of the Brochure:

Parts of the Brochure Inside Page #3 : Include a sample of the author’s writing. You may copy the poem from the worksheet, or find another piece of their writing to include. Include the title and an illustration to go along with it. Back Flap : Write 3-4 sentences telling why you like the writing, and include your name and class in the bottom right corner. GET TO WORK!!!!!!!! Noth-ing goes here!!