The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain

At several key places in Hughes’s essay, he makes specific references to other Black artists. Choose one artist to research. What does Hughes say about this artist? Do you agree or disagree? Use evidence from the artist’s artwork and biographical information.

Hughes frames his essay with an anecdote about a Black poet who is ashamed of his Blackness. Structurally, why does Hughes choose to use an anecdote? How does it shape the effectiveness of Hughes’s overall arguments? Explain using evidence from the text.

In Paragraph 9, Hughes describes “truly racial” artwork, which is linguistically connected to the titular image of a “racial mountain.” What does Hughes believe “truly racial” art is? Discuss using evidence from the essay.

An underlying argument in Hughes’s essay involves a critique of capitalist culture. Examine this argumentative thread and analyze its effectiveness. Why does Hughes present these points in his discussion of Black artistry? Use evidence from the text to support your claims.

In Paragraph 11, Hughes describes his own poetry and creative intent. Choose a poem by Hughes and connect it to this essay.