Assessment Brief: ENGL 250 – Critical Essay: The Creation by James Weldon Johnson
1. Assignment Context
In this module, we examine the aesthetic and political frameworks of the Harlem Renaissance. James Weldon Johnson’s “The Creation,” published in his 1927 collection God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse, stands as a seminal text blending biblical narrative with the African American folk preaching tradition. Students will synthesize literary analysis with historical context to evaluate how Johnson reclaims and elevates vernacular art forms into high poetry. This task requires a close reading of the text alongside an understanding of 1920s cultural dynamics.
2. Task Description
Write a 750- to 1,000-word essay analyzing the poetic devices and cultural significance of “The Creation” by James Weldon Johnson. You must identify how the author uses vivid imagery, lyrical rhythm, and anthropomorphism to depict the Genesis narrative. Your analysis should connect the structural elements of the poem to the broader artistic objectives of the Harlem Renaissance, specifically the validation of Black oral traditions.
3. Assignment Requirements and Guidelines
- Primary Text Focus: Perform a close reading of specific stanzas to demonstrate your points. Quote accurately and integrate text fluidly.
- Thematic Exploration: Address the intersection of divinity, nature, and humanity. How does Johnson’s specific portrayal of God differ from traditional orthodox depictions?
- Stylistic Analysis: Evaluate the lyrical quality of the poem. Discuss how repetition and cadence mimic the sermon structure.
- Formatting: Submit your document adhering strictly to MLA 9th Edition guidelines. Include a properly formatted Works Cited page.
- Sources: Use the primary text and at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed articles to support your claims.
4. Grading Rubric and Marking Criteria
| Criteria | Excellent (A) | Proficient (B) | Developing (C) | Needs Improvement (D/F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textual Analysis (30%) | Provides profound, original insights into imagery and rhythm; exceptional use of quotes. | Clear analysis of poetic devices; relevant quotes selected and explained well. | Basic summary of the poem with limited analytical depth; quotes are loosely connected. | Fails to analyze the text; primarily recites the plot of the poem. |
| Cultural Context (25%) | Seamlessly integrates the history of the Harlem Renaissance into the literary analysis. | Adequately connects the poem’s themes to the broader cultural movement. | Mentions the historical context but fails to relate it directly to the poem’s construction. | Omits the cultural and historical significance entirely. |
| Structure and Argument (25%) | Strong, arguable thesis statement supported by a highly logical progression of paragraphs. | Clear thesis statement with organized paragraphs and solid transitions. | Thesis is overly broad; paragraphs lack cohesion and clear topic sentences. | No discernible thesis; disjointed and difficult to follow. |
| Mechanics and MLA (20%) | Flawless grammar, syntax, and MLA formatting. | Minor grammatical errors; MLA formatting is mostly correct. | Noticeable errors in grammar or significant MLA formatting issues. | Pervasive errors that impede readability; incorrect or missing citations. |
5. Instructor Sample Answer Content
Analyzing James Weldon Johnson’s poem “The Creation” reveals a profound intersection of African American oral traditions and biblical narrative. Students often notice how the rhythmic cadence mimics traditional sermons and spirituals. Such musicality elevates the text beyond simple retelling to establish a distinctly cultural reimagining of Genesis. The anthropomorphic depiction of God stepping down to physically shape the earth reflects a deeply personal divinity. Scholars point out that Johnson purposefully utilized the vernacular of the Black folk preacher to elevate it to the realm of high art (Boutry, 2021, https://doi.org/10.3390/h10010041). Recognizing these structural choices illuminates the broader cultural assertions made during the Harlem Renaissance. Ultimately, the integration of physical imagery with spiritual majesty anchors the poem’s lasting literary significance.
I often find that teaching Johnson’s work requires situating it within the specific sociopolitical climate of the 1920s. A closer look at the collection containing this poem might suggest that the author was actively pushing back against minstrel stereotypes prevalent at the time. Specific rhetorical devices mimic the call and response pattern of the historical Black church in ways that resonate strongly with readers even today. It appears that blending sacred texts with secular performance creates a uniquely enduring literary artifact. My own students frequently express surprise at how modern the pacing feels when the verses are read aloud.
6. Required References and Learning Materials
Boutry, Maxime. “The Sermon as a Work of Art: James Weldon Johnson’s God’s Trombones.” Humanities, vol. 10, no. 1, 2021, p. 41. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.3390/h10010041.
Jones, Jeannette Eileen. “‘On the Brain of the Black Folk’: The Harlem Renaissance and the African Diaspora.” Journal of African American History, vol. 106, no. 1, 2021, pp. 1-25. University of Chicago Press, https://doi.org/10.1086/712613.
Thaggert, Miriam, editor. African American Literature in Transition, 1920–1930. Cambridge University Press, 2022. Cambridge Core, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108917308.
- Compose a 750- to 1,000-word essay analyzing the thematic elements, lyrical quality, and cultural significance of James Weldon Johnson’s poem The Creation.
- Write a 3–4 page paper evaluating the influence of the African American oral tradition and biblical imagery in The Creation by James Weldon Johnson.
- Evaluate the blending of divinity, nature, and cultural heritage in James Weldon Johnson’s Harlem Renaissance poetry for this literature assignment.
8. Upcoming Assessment
Week 4 Discussion Post: The New Negro Motif
Review Alain Locke’s essay “The New Negro” and compare its central thesis to the themes we explored in Johnson’s “The Creation.” Your initial post should be 300–400 words and must incorporate one direct quote from each text to illustrate how both authors define Black artistry in the 1920s. Evaluate whether Johnson’s reliance on historical folk traditions aligns with Locke’s vision of a forward-looking cultural awakening. Respond to at least two classmates by expanding on their interpretations of cultural renewal and artistic heritage.