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Question

Difficulty: MediumThe New Negro Movement and Cultural Debates

In the introduction to the 1927 poetry anthology *Caroling Dusk*, the editor argues:

"Since the poet is a creature of emotion, and since the most emotional experience of the Negro in America is his racial experience, it is only natural that his poetry should be colored by his race. But to feed the Negro poet on a diet of nothing but racial themes is to starve his genius. He must be free to sing of the moon, of love, of death, and of the stars, without being accused of betraying his heritage. Art is a universal kingdom, and the Negro writer must be permitted to enter it on the same terms as any other."

Which of the following statements best represents the perspective expressed in this passage regarding the creative freedom of Black writers?

  1. Black writers should be allowed to explore diverse and universal human themes rather than being restricted to portraying only racial experiences.Answer
  2. B
    Black writers must choose between either writing exclusively about the Black experience or completely assimilating into white literary traditions.
  3. C
    Black writers can only achieve true artistic freedom by emigrating from the United States to countries with less racial prejudice.
  4. D
    Black writers should use their poetry primarily to support a separate Black nationalist economy and political institutions.

Answer

Black writers should be allowed to explore diverse and universal human themes rather than being restricted to portraying only racial experiences.
The correct answer is the option stating that Black writers should be allowed to explore diverse and universal human themes. In the excerpt, the author contends that limiting Black poets to racial themes 'starves his genius' and that they must be free to write about universal human experiences like love, death, and nature. By describing art as a 'universal kingdom' where Black writers must be permitted on equal terms, the author argues against the restriction of Black artistic expression to purely racial representation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary source text for the main argument.
The author argues that while racial experience naturally colors Black poetry, restricting Black writers to only racial themes starves their genius.
This establishes the core argument that artistic freedom must include universal themes like love, death, and nature.
2
Evaluate the options against the author's main argument.
The option advocating for the freedom to explore universal themes directly aligns with the author's assertion that art is a universal kingdom where Black writers must be allowed to participate on equal terms.
This confirms the correct option based on text evidence.

Key Concept

The debate over universalism versus racial distinctiveness and the social purpose of art during the New Negro Movement.
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Topics

The New Negro Movement and Cultural Debates

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