Read the poem "Madam and the Rent Man" written by Langston Hughes in the 1920's. His poems often sound like the rhythms of blues and of jazz. He said, "I knew only the people I had grown up with, and they weren't people whose shoes were always shined, who had been to Harvard, or who had heard of Bach. But they seemed to me good people, too." As you read "Madam and the Rent Man," decide if Hughes thinks that either Madam or the Rent Man was one of his "good people." It will help you figure out the message or theme of the poem.

Question:

One message of this poem has to do with standing up for your rights. Which of the following ideas from the poem helps get the message of the poem across?