Individuals use a variety of methods such as writing, photography, and various forms of art to express their own ideas about themselves and their perceived place in society. Students will examine both visual art and poetry on similar themes and discuss what makes them similar, and which art form does the best job of creating mental images for the reader/viewer.

By studying the picture from the TIDES Database and reading “A Black Man Talks of Reaping,” students will understand how various forms of art can represent an individual’s view of himself and his place in society. 
TEKS §110.43 English II. (b) 7(A), 8(B, C, D), 10(B), 19, 20.

1. Have the students study the painting of the black man working with a hoe. which can be found on the TIDES website. Discuss the painting in terms of the landscape, the prominent figure of the man, the type of work being done in the painting, and the man’s clothing. Have students discuss what the man may be thinking as he works.

2. Have the students read “A Black Man Talks of Reaping” and "Reaping"  Discuss the images within the poems and the tone of the poems. Ask students to discuss and answer the following questions:
• How are the poems similar to the painting?
• Do you think the man in the painting could be the men speaking in the poems? Why or why not?
• Which art form does the best job of creating images for the reader/viewer? Why?

Have the students search the TIDES Database for another image that can be paired with a poem either the teacher or student chooses. The student literature books are an excellent resource for this assignment since most, if not all, literature books have poetry within them.  The teacher may want to focus on a particular author, theme, or time period.

Watercolor of man with hoe, by Col. John W. Thomason "A Black Man Talks of Reaping," by Arna Bontemps "Reaping," by Jean Toomer