The poem "Dreams" by Langston Hughes uses the imagery of a broken-winged bird and a barren frozen field to convey the importance of holding on to one's dreams. It states that without dreams, life loses its ability to fly or bear fruit and is left purposeless. The repetition of the lines "Hold fast to dreams" emphasizes the message that people should cling to their visions and ambitions.

1. Dreams
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
By Langston Hughes
Re-read the poem and answer the following questions…
1). Who do you think is the speaker?
2). Who might he/she be speaking to?
3). What type of situation do you think he/she is facing?
4). The first two stanzas are very similar. Why do you think the author used repetition?
5). Who are the two central images? What do they represent?
6). Why does this poem appeal or not appeal to you?
7). Answer the TPCASTT Poetry Analysis questions and write your response in the blank column.
8). Using the back of your TPCASTT form, write a short poem (does not have to rhyme) about
your dreams for the future.
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