... that lie within this poem. One of the most evident themes is that self- understanding is a long process. Other themes presented in this poem, as well as a number of his poems, are the racial inequality that was present at that time, as well as need for blacks and whites to live together in America in harmony. Although this poem is easy ... to read, as Hughes intended it to be along with most of his other poems, it is necessary to look at elements of poetry such as diction, setting and situation, speaker, rhythm, and tone in order to understand the themes presented in the poem. The ... ...

• Word Count: 1151
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... from white culture by traveling to Europe. She explains that Paris was a city "which they felt would provide creative stimuli due both the cities' intrinsic characters and to their famous residents" (72). Also, once artists from Harlem brought European influences back to the United States, black American writers looked to Harlem as the center of artistic inspiration. Wall states that ... highly of Hughes' ability to write a poem like "I've Known Rivers" in as little time as fifteen minutes and discusses the themes and structures of many of his poems. Professor Ewing shares general infor...

• Word Count: 876
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography