Write a 4-6 page paper (1000-1500 words, double spaced) addressing the following. 

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of prolific writing by African American authors, who captured the era with a strong sense of culture and place captured though a variety of expressive language.  For this assignment, focus on the language of the writers.

Possible choices for this essay include:

• Analyze the characterization of Harlem through the poetry of Langston Hughes. How does he use literary elements and devices to capture the lives of a people and the impact of place (often figuratively)?
• How do the language choices of Claude McKay and Countee Cullen capture the poets’ experience and perception of America?
• How does the poetic language and specific use of dialect by Zora Neale Hurston heighten the experience of African American life in a specific place and time?

These are broad suggested topics. You will need to fashion into a focused thesis that you support with detailed examples and analysis.  You may choose other approaches or comparisons as long as you look deeply and analytically at the use of language in the writing of selected African American writers, with specific examples and detailed support for a focused thesis.

Use MLA documentation style, with appropriate citations and Works Cited documentation. Remember that you also have useful information in the Online Resources.

Please refer to the Essay Rubric for more information about the characteristics of excellent analytical essays.