Question

what is the central idea of \the negro speaks of rivers\?
how much time passes in the poem? use quotes from the poem to support your answer.
why does the speaker repeat \my sould has grown deep like the rivers.\?

Explanation:

First Sub - Question: What is the central idea of “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”?

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes explores the deep - rooted history and cultural heritage of African Americans. The speaker connects their soul to ancient rivers like the Euphrates, Congo, Nile, and Mississippi, symbolizing the long and rich history of the Black community, from the earliest civilizations to the present, and emphasizing their enduring spirit and connection to a legacy that spans centuries.

The poem spans a vast amount of time. We can see this from the lines: "I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young" (referring to the early days of human civilization), "I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep" (relating to the history of Africa), "I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it" (during the time of ancient Egypt), and "I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans" (in the 19th century in the United States). So, the time period ranges from the dawn of human civilization (when the Euphrates was a part of early civilizations) to the era of Abraham Lincoln in the United States, spanning thousands of years.

The repetition of "My soul has grown deep like the rivers" is a form of literary device (refrain) that serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the connection between the speaker's soul and the rivers. The rivers are ancient and have witnessed the long history of the Black community. By comparing their soul to the deep rivers, the speaker is highlighting that their soul, like the rivers, has been shaped by the long - standing history, struggles, and cultural heritage of African Americans. Secondly, it reinforces the central theme of the poem about the enduring and deep - rooted nature of the Black community's history and spirit. The repetition also creates a rhythmic effect, enhancing the poetic quality and making the central idea more memorable.

Answer:

The central idea of "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is to convey the long - standing history, cultural heritage, and enduring spirit of African Americans, as the speaker links their soul to ancient rivers that represent the long - spanning history of the Black community.

Second Sub - Question: How much time passes in the poem? Use quotes from the poem to support your answer.