You can read the following poems by consulting your textbook or clicking on the titles. The e-notations provided below offer links to sites that offer background or otherwise illuminate the works. Enjoy!

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

See page 1125 in The American Tradition in Literature, Volume II, 10e

See page 1603 in The American Tradition in Literature, Shorter Edition, 10e

• Many would argue that the best experience of any poem is to hear it read aloud. To hear this poem read by Hughes himself, follow this link and click on the speaker icon.

• Hughes mentions in this poem some of the world's most famous rivers. Do you know where they are all located? If not, check out this online atlas. An understanding of the allusions within a poem can greatly add to one's appreciation of it.

"The Weary Blues"

See page 1126 in The American Tradition in Literature, Volume II, 10e

See page 1604 in The American Tradition in Literature, Shorter Edition, 10e

• An understanding of the blues is a key to appreciating the beauty of this poem. For an introduction to the blue, visit this site for The Blues Foundation. It provides an introduction to the blues, articles on the history of the music and important musicians, interviews, information about current blues events, and a list of essential CDs for any blues collection.