- 1. The Big Sea is an autobiographical work by the renowned African American poet and writer Langston Hughes, published in 1940. In this engaging narrative, Hughes reflects on his life experiences, capturing his journey from his childhood in Lawrence, Kansas, to his emergence as a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. The book weaves together vivid memories of his family, friends, and the diverse cultural influences that shaped his identity as a black writer in America. With eloquence and insight, Hughes explores themes of race, identity, and creativity, recounting his travels to various cities and countries, including his profound experiences in Africa and Europe. Through lyrical prose, he shares anecdotes about fellow artists and intellectuals of the time, offering a rich tapestry of the social and cultural landscape that defined his era. Hughes's narrative is not only a personal memoir but also a powerful commentary on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, making The Big Sea a significant contribution to American literature and an essential reading for those interested in understanding the complexities of race and identity in the 20th century.
What is the genre of 'The Big Sea'?
A) Autobiography
B) Poetry
C) Fiction
D) Drama
- 2. Who is the author of 'The Big Sea'?
A) Langston Hughes
B) Zora Neale Hurston
C) Claude McKay
D) Richard Wright
- 3. In which year was 'The Big Sea' published?
A) 1940
B) 1950
C) 1935
D) 1945
- 4. What does 'The Big Sea' primarily explore?
A) African American identity and experience
B) Science fiction elements
C) Political ideologies
D) World War II
- 5. Which literary movement is Hughes associated with?
A) Harlem Renaissance
B) Realism
C) Modernism
D) Romanticism
- 6. What job did Hughes take on while in Paris?
A) Journalist
B) Waiter
C) Teacher
D) Factory worker
- 7. Which famous poet does Hughes mention as an influence?
A) Walt Whitman
B) Robert Frost
C) Emily Dickinson
D) T.S. Eliot
- 8. What theme is prominent throughout 'The Big Sea'?
A) Love and romance
B) Science and technology
C) Racial struggle and pride
D) Wealth and success
- 9. Hughes' travels to Europe are driven by what?
A) A job offer
B) Family obligations
C) Military service
D) Artistic inspiration
- 10. What does Hughes express about his heritage?
A) Indifference
B) Pride in his African American identity
C) Shame about his heritage
D) Desire to assimilate
- 11. Hughes writes about which historical period?
A) The Civil Rights Movement
B) The Roaring Twenties
C) The Great Depression
D) The Harlem Renaissance
- 12. What does Hughes emphasize about the black experience?
A) Escape from reality
B) Defeat and despair
C) Resilience and creativity
D) Monotony of life
- 13. What recurring symbol appears in 'The Big Sea'?
A) The city
B) The mountain
C) The desert
D) The sea
- 14. What city is closely tied to Hughes' career?
A) Philadelphia
B) Detroit
C) New York City
D) San Francisco
- 15. What aspect of society does Hughes critique?
A) Racism and inequality
B) Technology and progress
C) Isolation and solitude
D) Capitalism and wealth
- 16. Hughes uses what in his writing?
A) Jazz rhythms and blues lyrics
B) Complex metaphors
C) Historical documents
D) Scientific terminology
- 17. The title 'The Big Sea' symbolizes what?
A) Political boundaries
B) The vastness of experience
C) A specific location
D) Isolation and despair
- 18. Who greatly influenced Hughes' work?
A) Italian poets
B) French philosophers
C) African American cultural figures
D) British playwrights
- 19. In which style is 'The Big Sea' written?
A) Autobiographical narrative
B) Poetic verse
C) Science fiction
D) Historical fiction
- 20. Hughes was a significant figure in which artistic field?
A) Dance
B) Poetry
C) Painting
D) Sculpting
- 21. In 'The Big Sea', what profession does Hughes discuss having?
A) Teacher
B) Doctor
C) Writer
D) Actor
- 22. Hughes' writing style in 'The Big Sea' can be characterized as:
A) Eloquent
B) Conversational
C) Formal
D) Abstract
- 23. The tone of 'The Big Sea' can be described as:
A) Hostile
B) Sarcastic
C) Reflective
D) Indifferent
- 24. In 'The Big Sea', Hughes advocates for:
A) Social justice
B) Economic isolation
C) Cultural imperialism
D) Political apathy
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