How does the poet achieve her goal in communicating this focus?

Instructions
Essay #1: Poetry

Option 1: Review Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem” here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46548/harlem. This poem was written in response to the budding civil rights movement in the mid-20th century. Why is this poem still in the canon? How does it appeal to a 21st century audience? Be specific; it’s not enough to say it’s still in the canon because it’s a good poem or because people can relate to it– what does that mean?

Option #2: Choose one of the assigned Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf’s poems and craft an analysis in an essay which answers the following questions: A) What is the subject and focus of the poem? B) How does the poet achieve her goal in communicating this focus? C) In your view, which aspects (if any) of your chosen poem appear to be “universal”, and which aspects (if any) seem to apply or appeal to a specific reading community?

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