thesis statement for harlem by langston hughes

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A Good Thesis For Harlem By Langston Hughes

Brief Introduction to Langston Hughes’ Harlem

Langston Hughes is an acclaimed African-American poet whose poetic works explore a range of topics, particularly the themes of identity, race and oppression. His poem “Harlem” resonates with readers and continues to hold relevance today. His classic, nearly three-hundred-word poem was first published in 1951 and since has been discussed in academia, illuminated in classes, used in performances and quoted for its enduring power. It explores a dream deferred and how it might “dry up” or turn “sour.”

Thesis for Langston Hughes’ Harlem

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes examines the consequences of a deferred dream and the feelings of oppression that come with it. In this work, Hughes uses concrete images of a hidden reality to explore themes of race, identity and oppression. By intertwining his personal experiences of racism and oppression into the poem, Hughes is able to create a powerful statement about the devastating effects of a deferred dream.

Exploring the Deferred Dream in Langston Hughes’ Harlem

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes presents a vivid picture of what happens when a dream is deferred. The narrator of the poem wonders what happens to a dream that is pushed away, waiting for its eventual demise or “explod[ing]”. For the African-American community of the mid-20th century, these were not merely abstract concepts – they were an everyday reality. Many African Americans had to confront oppression and racism that made achieving their dreams nearly impossible. This was a central theme in many of Hughes’ works, and is explored throughout this poem in particular. The poem paints a bleak picture of a deferred dream, showing how it can cause a person to become frustrated, depressed and demotivated. Hughes does not simply offer a bleak assessment of a deferred dream. He also offers his audience an alternative – striving to push forward and preserve a sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity.

Langston Hughes’ Harlem: Oppression and Racism

In “Harlem,” Hughes uses a combination of vivid imagery and concrete details to convey the impact of a deferred dream on the African-American community. At the time of its publication, Jim Crow laws were still in place, and the African-American community was subjected to widespread racism, segregation and discrimination. For many, their dreams were often deferred due to oppressive systems that were out of their control. This is a theme that Hughes addresses in this poem, as he portrays the effects of racism and oppression on the dreams of the African-American community. In the opening line of the poem, Hughes writes “What happens to a dream deferred?” This simple question speaks to the fact that many African-Americans have experienced dreams that have been put on hold or pushed aside due to oppressive forces and systems. By using vivid imagery, Hughes is able to depict the impact of racism and oppression on a deferred dream.

Langston Hughes’ Harlem: Moving Beyond Deferred Dreams

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes does not simply depict a deferred dream and its negative consequences, but ends on a hopeful message. In the poem’s final two lines, Hughes writes “Maybe it just sags/ like a heavy load. Or does it explode?”. With these lines, Hughes suggests that, although a deferred dream can be an oppressive and heavy burden, it does not have to be. He suggests that it is possible to reject the forces of oppression and push forward with one’s dreams. This is the central message of the poem, and one that resonates with readers even today. By using concrete imagery and vivid detail, Hughes creates a powerful and moving statement.

Power of African-American Identity in Langston Hughes’ Harlem

Langston Hughes primarily focused on the plight of African Americans in his work. This poem of “Harlem” further explores identity themes and the power of African-American identity in the face of oppression. In it, Hughes gives voice to a community that has traditionally been left out of the conversation. He speaks of the struggles of African Americans to attain their dreams despite the systemic racism and oppression that often impede their progress. He also speaks of their hope in the face of this oppression and creates a powerful and inspiring statement about the power of the African-American community. By combining his own experiences of racism and oppression with vivid detail, Hughes is able to create a powerful statement about the strength of African-American identity.

Langston Hughes’ Harlem and Contemporary Society

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes is a classic piece of American literature that continues to be relevant today. While the poem was written in the 1950s, its themes of oppression, racism and deferred dreams continue to hold relevance in contemporary society. The poem speaks to the power of identity and speaks of the strength of a community that has faced so much adversity. Today, many African Americans continue to struggle to attain the same opportunities and success that other Americans take for granted. This poem speaks to the power of their community and the importance of recognizing their unique circumstances. By speaking of their strength in the face of oppression, Hughes is able to create a powerful statement about the resilience of African Americans.

Analysis of the Tone in Langston Hughes’ Harlem

The tone of “Harlem” by Langston Hughes is one of despair, yet ultimately of hope. Hughes portrays the despair of deferred dreams, while also conveying the strength and resilience of the African-American community in the face of oppression. Throughout the poem, Hughes speaks of the oppression and racism that so many African Americans face, but he also speaks of their hope and their ability to overcome adversity. This duality of despair and hope is evident throughout the poem and creates a powerful statement about the strength of the African-American community.

Conclusion of Langston Hughes’ Harlem

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes is a classic of American literature that continues to resonate with readers today. It speaks to the despair of a deferred dream, combined with the strength of the African-American community in the face of oppression. By allowing the reader to explore his own experiences of racism and oppression, Hughes is able to create a powerful and lasting statement about dreams, identity and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. The poem mixes despair and hope in a unique blend, creating a work that stands the test of time.

Langston Hughes’ Harlem as a Reflection of Struggles

One of the most powerful aspects of Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem” is its ability to reflect the struggles that African Americans have experienced throughout history. By speaking directly to the experience of racism and oppression, Hughes offers readers a shocking glimpse of the reality of a deferred dream. Through this poem, he is conveying the difficulties and realities of the struggle, showing a clear and heart-rending reminder of the often-unacknowledged conditions in which African-Americans have had to live. Hughes speaks to his audience directly, offering a first-person account of the daily struggles of an African-American trying to overcome a deferred dream.

Interpreting the Ripple Effect of a Deferred Dream in Langston Hughes’ Harlem

In Hughes’ poem “Harlem,” the effects of a deferred dream go far beyond the individual. In the poem, Hughes suggests that the consequences of a deferred dream ripple outward, affecting not just the individual, but the entire community. Hughes speaks to this ripple effect in the lines “Maybe it just sags/ Like a heavy load.” By using this imagery, Hughes is showing how a deferred dream can become a “heavy load” that affects not just the individual, but the entire community. He suggests that a deferred dream can have an impact on not only the individual struggling to make their dreams come true, but on the entire African-American community.

Langston Hughes’ Harlem and the Weight of History of Racism

In Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem,” he speaks to the weight of the history of racism in America. He acknowledges the systemic racism and oppression that has been inflicted on African Americans throughout history, and speaks to its devastating effects on the dreams of individuals. By speaking to the reality of oppression, Hughes helps readers to understand the challenges of pursuing a dream in the face of such overwhelming odds. He speaks to the power of dreams, but also to their fragility in light of the long history of racism and oppression.

Analysis of the Use of Imagery in Langston Hughes’ Harlem

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes is rife with powerful imagery that speaks to the deferred dreams of the African-American community. Hughes uses vivid imagery to depict the deferred dream, painting a picture of a “heavy load” that can be “fester[ing]” or “dried up.” By using imagery to convey the effects of a deferred dream, Hughes is able to illustrate the emotional weight of such a dream, as well as its devastating consequences. Hughes’ imagery adds depth to the poem and helps readers to understand the emotional turmoil of a deferred dream better.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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A Summary and Analysis of Langston Hughes’ ‘Harlem’ (Dream Deferred)

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Harlem’ is a short poem by Langston Hughes (1901-67). Hughes was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance in New York in the 1920s. Over the course of a varied career he was a novelist, playwright, social activist, and journalist, but it is for his poetry that Hughes is now best-remembered.

Given his centrality to the Harlem Renaissance , it is perhaps unsurprising that Langston Hughes chose to write a poem about Harlem. But what is the meaning of his short 11-line lyric about Harlem? You can read the poem here .

‘Harlem’: summary

The poem is arranged into four stanzas: the first and last of these are just one line long, with the second comprising seven lines and the third two lines.

The speaker of the poem asks a series of questions. He asks first, what happens to a dream that is deferred – that is, a dream or ambition which is never realised? Does it try up like a raisin in the sun, shrivelling away and losing something of itself? Or does it grow putrid and infected, like a sore (on a body) from which pus runs? And does the dream come to smell like rotten meat?

He then wonders whether the dream might develop a tough ‘crust’ of sugar, like a boiled sweet.

In the third stanza, the speaker turns from the interrogative mode of questioning and muses aloud: perhaps instead of these things, the dream simply grows weak, like a heavy burden being carried.

The final stanza, another standalone line, is italicised for additional emphasis, and sees the speaker return to the interrogative mode: he asks whether this ‘dream deferred’ might actually end up exploding, such as in a fit of righteous anger or frustration.

‘Harlem’: analysis

One of Langston Hughes’ best-known poems, ‘ I, Too ’, is often categorised as a protest poem. But it is also a poem of celebration, and one of the things which a critic or student of Hughes’ poem needs to consider is how these two sides to the poem are kept in careful balance.

‘Harlem’ is more clearly and emphatically a poem of protest rather than celebration, focusing on the area of New York which had a large African-American population (and culture). In ‘I, Too’, Hughes took up Walt Whitman’s famous words from his nineteenth-century poem ‘ I Hear America Singing ’ and added his own voice to the chorus, and, by extension, the voices of all African Americans.

But in ‘Harlem’, he takes up the idea of the American Dream , the ideal, or belief, which states that anyone, regardless of their background, can make a success of their lives if they come to America. Is this really true of African Americans, or do they face too much prejudice and too many obstacles as they try to make their way in America?

The reference to ‘a dream deferred’ in the opening line of ‘Harlem’ alludes to the fact that this short poem is of a piece with a much longer, book-length poem which Hughes published in the same year, 1951. That longer work, Montage of a Dream Deferred , was influenced by the rhythms and styles of jazz music, as Hughes takes us on a 24-hour tour of Hughes’ own Harlem in New York.

The motif of the dream – a favourite Langston Hughes trope – is central to the poem, as Hughes plays off the real world with the ideal. But his ‘dream deferred’ is also recalling the American Dream, and critiquing the relevance of this ideal for African Americans.

The various images and similes Hughes employs in ‘Harlem’ reveal a conflicted attitude towards this dream. While other Americans can make their way up the socio-economic ladder and achieve success for themselves and their families, the speaker feels that African Americans are being left behind.

But the images are not all one and the same. We are given festering sores and rotten meat, but then the speaker proposes the sugared coating of a boiled sweet: altogether a more palatable image. So what is the purpose of this image?

We talk about ‘sugar-coating’ something to make it more palatable and acceptable, and therein lies the meaning of Hughes’ simile: black Americans are sold the idea of the ‘American Dream’ in order to keep them happy with the status quo and to give the illusion that everyone in the United States has equal opportunities. But that’s all it is: the sugar that covers up something less appealing or appetising, which is the rather less rosy truth.

Like many of Langston Hughes’ poems, ‘Harlem’ is written in free verse , its irregular line lengths and erratic rhythms suggestive of jazz music, which was so important to the culture and nightlife of Harlem. However, it is not wholly free verse, since Hughes does use rhyme: sun/run , meat/sweet , and load/explode (and note how ‘exp lode ’ contains, or carries, that ‘load’).

The final line of ‘Harlem’ suggests that if African Americans continue to endure the grinding poverty, mistreatment, and lack of opportunities they are currently enduring, their anger may burst out in an explosion of energy and rage.

In some ways, Hughes’s poem is prophetic in predicting the growing momentum that the American Civil Rights movement would gain as the 1950s progressed, and figures like Malcolm X would use radical anger (as opposed to the less combative approach adopted by Martin Luther King) to galvanise black Americans into demanding a better life.

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Harlem Summary & Analysis by Langston Hughes

• Line-by-Line Explanation & Analysis
• Poetic Devices
• Vocabulary & References
• Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme
• Line-by-Line Explanations

Langston Hughes wrote “Harlem” in 1951 as part of a book-length sequence, Montage of a Dream Deferred . Inspired by blues and jazz music, Montage , which Hughes intended to be read as a single long poem, explores the lives and consciousness of the black community in Harlem, and the continuous experience of racial injustice within this community. “Harlem” considers the harm that is caused when the dream of racial equality is continuously delayed. Ultimately, the poem suggests, society will have to reckon with this dream, as the dreamers claim what is rightfully their own.

• Read the full text of “Harlem”

The Full Text of “Harlem”

“harlem” summary, “harlem” themes.

The Cost of Social Injustice

The Individual and the Community

Line-by-line explanation & analysis of “harlem”.

What happens to a dream deferred?

      Does it dry ... ...       And then run?

      Does it stink ... ... a syrupy sweet?

      Maybe it just ... ... does it explode?

“Harlem” Symbols

• Line 1: “dream”

“Harlem” Poetic Devices & Figurative Language

• Line 2: “Does it”
• Line 3: “like”
• Line 4: “Or”
• Line 6: “Does it”
• Line 7: “Or”
• Line 8: “ like”
• Line 10: “like”
• Line 11: “Or does it”
• Lines 9-10: “      Maybe it just sags /       like a heavy load.”
• Line 1: “dream,” “deferred”
• Line 2: “Does,” “dry”
• Line 3: “raisin,” “sun”
• Line 4: “fester,” “sore”
• Line 5: “run”
• Line 6: “it,” “stink,” “like,” “rotten,” “meat”
• Line 7: “Or,” “crust,” “sugar,” “over”
• Line 8: “like,” “syrupy,” “sweet”
• Line 9: “just,” “sags”
• Line 10: “like,” “load”
• Line 11: “Or ,” “does ,” “it ,” “explode”
• Line 2: “Does,” “it,” “dry,” “up”
• Line 3: “like,” “a,” “raisin,” “in,” “the,” “sun”
• Line 6: “Does,” “it,” “stink,” “meat”
• Line 8: “sweet”
• Line 10: “load”
• Line 11: “explode”

End-Stopped Line

• Line 1: “deferred?”
• Line 3: “sun?”
• Line 4: “sore—”
• Line 5: “run?”
• Line 6: “meat?”
• Line 7: “over—”
• Line 8: “sweet?”
• Line 10: “load.”
• Line 11: “explode?”

Parallelism

Rhetorical question.

• Lines 11-11
• Lines 2-3: “up /       like”
• Lines 9-10: “sags /       like ”

“Harlem” Vocabulary

Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem.

• (Location in poem: )

Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme of “Harlem”

Rhyme scheme, “harlem” speaker, “harlem” setting, literary and historical context of “harlem”, more “harlem” resources, external resources.

An Essay From the Poetry Foundation — Read more about "Harlem" in this essay by Scott Challener at the Poetry Foundation.

Letter from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Hughes — Read a letter from Martin Luther King, Kr. to Langston Hughes, which includes a reference to a performance of Lorraine Hansberry's play “A Raisin in the Sun."

"Harlem" Read Aloud by Langston Hughes — Listen to Langston Hughes read "Harlem."

Full Text of "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain" — Read Langston Hughes’s 1926 essay “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain."

The Harlem Renaissance — Learn more about the Harlem Renaissance from the History Channel.

Langston Hughes and Martin Luther King, Jr. — Read about how Langston Hughes influenced Martin Luther King, Jr., including the influence of "Harlem."

LitCharts on Other Poems by Langston Hughes

As I Grew Older

Aunt Sue's Stories

Daybreak in Alabama

Dream Variations

I Look at the World

Let America Be America Again

Mother to Son

Night Funeral in Harlem

The Ballad of the Landlord

Theme for English B

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Weary Blues

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The poem “Harlem” was written in 1951 by Langston Hughes. The poem was written as a part of the book-length sequence, Montage of a Dream Deferred . The poem is written after the inspiration from jazz music. Hughes intended the poem to be read as a single poem.

Montage of a Dream Deferred deals with the consciousness and lives of black people in Harlem. It also explores the continuous racial injustices in the Harlem community. The poem “Harlem” shows the harm that is caused when one’s dream of racial equality is delayed continuously. The poem, in the end, states that society must and will reckon with the dream of blacks. 

Langston Hughes is one of the most imminent and well-known poets of the Harlem Renaissance. Even though Langston Hughes was not from the lower class of African Americans, his poetry mostly deals with the problems that have plagued the lives of poor black people.

Most of his poems appear to be influenced by Blues which at that time were the most common means for poor people to express their anguish and pain. Besides poetry, Hughes has also written plays and prose works.

The works of Langston Hughes have been criticized by some African American writers of his time. “Harlem” deals with the lost dreams of millions of African Americans. The poem expresses the anguish and pain of how African Americans are deprived of becoming a part of the great American Dream.

Background of the Poem

Literary context.

Harlem Renaissance in literature, music, and art started in the 1910s and 1920s. The writers of the Harlem renaissance are mainly from the community in Harlem. They deal with the problems and everyday life experiences of black people in Harlem. Langston Hughes was one of the leading writers of the Harlem renaissance. 

The movement sought to explore the black experiences and put them in the center. They attempt to formulate a distinctly black aesthetic instead of following the norms and models of white.

Hughes published a seminal essay in 1926 titles as “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain.” In this essay, Hughes explores the challenges faced by the black artist where the white society exoticized and fetishized them on the one hand and silenced and dismissed on the other hand. Hughes asserted that black writers and artists much embrace their own culture for true beauty and creativity.

Hughes wrote that:

“If white people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn’t matter … If colored people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, their displeasure doesn’t matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”

Even though at the onset of the Great Depression, in the late 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance ended, it laid the foundations for the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Art Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Hughes wrote “Harlem” in 1951 with the values he laid in his essay that he wrote 30 years ago.

Even though the poem was written as a part of a long poem, the poem has inspired many well-known writers that come after Langston Hughes. The poem is the source of the title of the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, written in 1959. The novel accounts for the experiences of black families living in the South Side of Chicago and their attempts to overcome poverty and segregation. The opening line of the poem inspired the famous speck of Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream.”

Even in the modern world, the poem “Harlem” exerts its relevance as it deals with ongoing issues such as police brutality and racism in the United States.

Historical Context

The historical context of the poem “Harlem” is linked with its literary context. The historical context of the poem is very important to understand the poem. The history of Harlem is involved in the historical context.

More than six million African Americans moved to cities in the Midwestern, northern, and western parts of the United States from the rural South during the Great Migration in the early twentieth century. There, the white supremacist violence and state-sectioned racism that includes segregation and redlining forced the black people to live in the poor section of large cities. There the poor black Americans faced unfair rents and severe unemployment.

Harlem was among such neighborhoods that turned out to a ghetto that entrapped people within the cycles of poverty. Such circumstances caused the Harlem riots in 1935 and 1943. Both of these riots were incurred by the little instances of violence against African Americans. For instance, the riot of 1943 started when a black soldier was shot and wounded by white police.

When the poem “Harlem” was written in 1951, World War II has ended, and the black people have been forced to fight for the U.S. military in order to defend America’s vision of equality and freedom and defeat fascism. However, the black soldiers fought in the segregated rant. And after the war, black Americans were still enduring legal and extralegal violence and racism.

After the U.S. Civil war, the dream of equal opportunities and racial equality had been put off and delayed consistently. The need for justice, equality, and the sense of deferral led to the Civil Rights Movement in 1964. In this sense, the poem “Harlem” can be seen as envisioning the “explosion” that changes the overall societal structure of the United States.

Harlem Summary

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

 like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore—

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over—

like a syrupy sweet?

 The poem opens with the speaker asking questions from the reader/listeners, “ What happens to a dream deferred?” Over here, the word “deferred” means postponed. The speaker then continues to give the possible reason for postponing the dream. One possible reason the speaker gives is that it can be deferred as the means of realizing the dream was lost.

In these lines, the speaker tries to express the pain of millions of African Americans whose dreams never become a reality, and with time, they have lost their meaning and relevance just like the water dries up in the eyes.

So the speaker again asks that question: do these unrealized dreams “dry up like a raisin in the sun?” or “ decay like a sore and then run?” The speaker also proposes that it could “ stink like rotten meat.”

The speaker says that the dream that cannot be realized or that ever becomes realized becomes very painful. The speaker proposes two possibilities that unrealized dreams can turn into. It either becomes painful as a sore that never dries and keeps on running, or it leaves behind the “crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet?” They either rot and leave behind the stink in the memories or are remembered as a sweet pain.

Maybe it just sags

Like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

In these lines, the speaker expresses other possibilities of the dream deferred. The speaker says that the burden of unrealized and unfulfilled may remain in the hearts of the people who have lost them. He asks what happens when the burden of unfulfilled dreams gets unbearable. He ends the poem by asking, that does it explode?

Themes in Harlem

The cost of social injustice.

The poem “Harlem is written in 1951, almost ten years before the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Langston Hughes also wrote about the consequences of the Harlem riots in 1935 and 1943. Both of the riots were ignited by the pervasive unemployment, segregation, and the brutality of the police in the black community.

In the poem, Langston Hughes deals with this time period of African American history. The very title of the poem “Harlem” places it in a historically immigrant and black neighborhood in the New York City of America. By “dream,” Hughes could mean any dream that African Americans have had. These dreams could be of a better life, racial equality, equal opportunities, and, more importantly, for being a part of the American Dream.

However, the poem expresses that these dreams are consistently postponed and put off, particularly by the policies that make Black Americans as second-class citizens. The poem suggests that though the dreams have been deferred or postponed by injustices, they do not simply disappear. Sooner or later, these dreams will be accounted for. The poem certainly suggests that there will be societal reckoning soon as the dreamers are claiming for what is rightfully theirs.

Initially, the speaker says that the idea of deferring the dream may cause the dream to become lessened, making it too unreachable that it eventually fades away. The poet suggests that the unfulfilled or “deferred dream” may “dry up” or “fester like a sore.” There is a possibility that it may “stink like rotten meat or crust and sugar over/like a syrupy sweet.”

These images of deferred suggest that something is losing potency, spoiling, or is decaying outright. All of these things are exactly the product of a society full of the racism that may want in order to maintain their status quo. Such kinds of societies want the dreams of racial equality to lose their worth.

Moreover, the images and comparison in the poem make a profound idea that what it feels like to have dreams that cannot be attained only because of racial discrimination and injustices. All of these images illustrate the cost that black people faced in order to bear the injustices like the infected and painful “sore.”

Later in the novel, the speaker also wonders that these dreams “just sags / like a heavy load.” This suggests that the dream of racial equality always appears to be a burden on communities like Harlem, which continuously drags them down instead of uplifting them. 

However, the speaker also suggests a completely different outcome by asking that “Or does it explode?” The speaker brings the image of Harlem riots in 1935 and 1943 through the image of the explosion. Moreover, the explosion can also refer to the explosion of dreams. It gives a sense that the American Dream that many Americans want to realize could be exploded or appear to be false or hollow.

The final question, at the end of the poem, shifts the images of dream withering away, sagging, and festering to an image of the dream that is exploding.

The Individual and the Community

The poem “Harlem” can be read and interpreted in two ways. First of all, the deferred dream can be taken as a collective dream of a community. The dream can also be taken as an individual dream. The poem proposes that in the black community, the individual and the collective dreams are connected with each other. Therefore, it is not possible to realize the individual dream without the realization of the collective dream of equality.

The obvious can be taken as an account of the deferral of a collective dream. The very title of the poem “Harlem” frames the poem as being something about a whole community and its experiences. The deferred dream is the dream of the Harlem neighborhood and the group of people living there.

Throughout the poem, the dream is referred to as “it,” suggesting that the speaker is talking about the same dream in the whole poem, and there is only one dream that is continuously postponed. It is due to the title of the poem that the readers come to know that the dream described is the dream of the whole Harlem community.

However, the poem, at the same time, can be taken as the deferral dreams of the individual – the desires and hopes of a single person in the community. In the poem, the dream is compared to something that an individual can easily experience. For instance, a deferred dream is compared to a “raisin in the sun,” which is so small that only a person can notice it. Likewise, “sore” is something that only an individual can endure.

These comparisons in the poem, the dream can be a dream of a single person or many individual dreams, and the deferral of dreams depends on personal experiences.

The two readings of the poem are supported by the historical context in which the poem is written. The poem “Harlem” was written during the era of Jim Crow segregation in 1951. This time period is also known as the early period of the Civil Rights Movement. Moreover, the poem was written after World War II, when black Americans were forced to fight in the United States military within segregated ranks. 

In these circumstances, the collective dream of racial equality and the deferral of this dream were forcefully present in the black American community. 

Moreover, systematic racism in America also makes it impossible for the realization of individual dreams. For instance, a black family may want to buy their own house; it is impossible because of the racist policies of discriminatory lending practices.

Within this context, it is impossible for an individual to realize his dream without the realization of a larger collective dream of Civil rights and equality.

Harlem Analysis

Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem” mirrors the post-World War II mood of millions of African Americans. When the poem was written, a period of the Great Depression was over; likewise, the great World War II was also over. However, the dream of African Americans was still deferred or postponed. Langston Hughes takes the dream very seriously, no matter if it is as ordinary as hitting the nail or as noble as being pessimistic about propelling the rearing of children.

Speaking broadly, the “dream” in the poem “Harlem” refers to the dream of African Americans for the right of liberty, right of life, and right of pursuit of happiness.” The dream refers to the dream of equality, liberty, and fraternity, for the right to own property, respect, dignity, and ethnic identity. 

In the poem, Langston Hughes tries to illuminate and explain the condition in America. The poem questions the aftermath of many deferred dreams.

First Stanza (line 1)

The poem “Harlem” opens with a large and open question that is extended and answered by the following sub-questions. The question is, “ What happened to a dream deferred?” the deferred means postponed. Speaking broadly, the “dream” in the first line refers to the dream of African Americans for the right of liberty, right of life, and right of pursuit of happiness.”

The speaker is posing the question that since the dream has been postponed for a long time, what has happened to it? For instance, the period of the Great Depression is over, and the great World War II has also come to an end. What about the deferred dream that needs to be realized for centuries.

Stanza 2 (Lines 2-8)

The second stanza of the poem illustrates a series of questions in an attempt to answer the question “What happened to a deferred dream?” the speaker answers the question by imposing another question as “Does it dry up/ like a raisin in the sun?” The image of a raisin in the sun carries a connotation that the dream was a living entity and now it has dried like a dry raisin. 

Besides this, the dying may also imply that the dream has shrunk or become minimal. Instead of looking at the objective qualities of the images, it is necessary that they must be analyzed in terms of the feeling of the speaker. The simile of dream drying like a raisin in the sun shows that at first, it was like a fresh grape, which is green and fresh. However, when it is neglected for a long time, it probably dries.

The next simile in the stanza is “sore.” For instance, the speaker says that “Or does it [deferred dream] fester like a sore and then run?” This imagery shows a sense of pain and infection. By comparing the dream to a sore on the body of the dreamer, the speaker proposes that unrealized and unfulfilled dreams turn onto the part of our body. It acts like an enduring injury that may cause infection and even death. The speaker tries to point out the pains when one dream is always deferred.

The next question that the speaker asks in order to answer the question asked in the First stanza is “ Does it stink like rotten meat?” This question intensifies the disgust. The speaker suggests that a dream deferred for a long time may also stink just like the smell of rotten meat. By imposing this question in the poem, Langston Hughes points out the disastrous effects of avoiding and ignoring one’s dreams.

The fourth alternative that the speaker suggests is that the deferred dream will “crust and sugar over.” This means that it will make a covering layer over the wound to make it appear healed. The image of crust and sugar suggests that it becomes a sweet pain that will not kill the dreamer like sores and meat. However, it still connotes neglect, decay, and waste.

Stanza 3 (lines 9-10)

The third stanza of the poem opens with the only sentences that are not questions. In these lines, Langston Hughes suggests that the deferred dream may just “sag,” meaning it may bend with overload. The image of sag suggests that even avoiding dreams may lead to unforeseen horrors; however, the one certain outcome is that it will weigh one down both emotionally and physically.

Stanza 4 (Line 11)

The speaker is the representative of the African American people and employs this image to suggest that the unrealized and unfulfilled dream has been weighing on them. The larger consequences of it could be that it can explode. To emphasize the idea of mass destruction, Hughes italicized the last line, “ Or does it explode?” Hughes suggests that the epidemic of frustration will eventually hurt everyone, not only the black community.

 The poem “Harlem” has a rhetorical structure. The speaker of the poem is black American. After the Civil War, black people were promised equality and equity. However, they never fulfill their promises. Black people would encounter a discriminating society on a daily basis. The dreams of blacks of a racially free society were never achieved. These dreams were deferred, delayed, and postponed.

The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes has no set form as it is a free verse poem. The poem consists of 11 lines in four stanzas. Each stanza of the poem varies in length that adds a sense of impulsiveness to the poem. The poem has created its own form, which suggests that those whose dreams are deferred must find their own answers to what will happen to them now even if their answers explode the rules of the racially dominated white society.

The varying length of the stanza creates subtle forms that build towards the end of the poem. The first and last stanza of the poem consists of only one sentence that mirrors each other.

The formal elements of the poem allude to jazz and blues. Jazz and blues are the musical form of the black community and use recurring patterns and motifs. However, these patterns are disrupting at crucial points so as to express complicated feelings, dissonance, and juxtaposition. The poem “Harlem” creates a similar form and deals with the dissonant experience of an oppressed, deferred, and unfulfilled dream.

The poem “Harlem” has no meter and is a free verse poem. However, the poem has metrical elements and also uses the elements of rhythm throughout.

The poem “Harlem” has a genderless and anonymous speaker. The poem does not have “I,” the first-person narrative, in the poem. The title of the poem “Harlem” gives awareness about what the actually is about?

The title of the poem proposes that the speaker may be someone who lives in the black neighborhood of Harlem. However, the question is posed with some kind of remoteness. For instance, the question “What happens to a dream deferred?” shows a kind of remoteness. The question would sound differently if the speaker says “my dreams” or “our dream.” The speaker of the poem appears to be with Harlem and, at the same time, outside it.  

The setting of the poem appears to be highly specific, and at the same time, open-ended. The title of the poem makes the poem set in one particular location, and that is Harlem. Harlem is the historically black neighborhood of black Americans in New York City. The political and social setting of the place was not stable at the time when the poem was written. 

The poem is written in 1951 during segregation. It is the period pre-Civil Rights Movement and the pre-Vote Rights act. This context changes the setting of the poem to be very specific.

The poem, at the same time, can be taken in an open-ended way. In the poem, Harlem is not mentioned as a neighborhood, and the images of the poem reflect the emotional and implicit setting. A sense of abandonment has been shown in the poem with the image of a raisin that has been dried up. Similarly, the image of sore also suggests abandonment and decay. Likewise, the image of syrupy sweet and rotten meat shows a lack of care and neglect.

The images can be taken as a kind of conveying the intolerable and frustrating feeling of living in the ongoing condition of poverty and injustice where a neighborhood is left uncared for and neglected. Such feelings can be shared by many people in different neighborhoods that are similar to Harlem. Thus, the setting of the poem suggests that Harlem is not a single place but a set of experiences that are shared by many people.

Literary Devices in the Poem

In order to bring richness and clarity to the texts, poets use literary devices. With the use of literary devices, texts become more appealing and meaningful. In the poem “Harlem,” Langston Hughes employed various literary devices to emphasize the intended impact of the poem. Following are the literary devices used in the poem:

The writer’s emotions, feelings, and ideas become apparent to the readers with the use of imagery. For example in the poem, the imagery employed is

 “like a raisin in the sun.”

“Does it stink like rotten meat.”

“Or does it explode.”

When two different objects are compared to one another to understand the meaning, the use of the word “like,” “as,” etc. is called a simile. For example, in the poem, imagery is employed as:

“Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”,

“like a syrupy sweet.”

In this, the deferred dreams are compared with the food items that are decaying.

Rhetorical Question                          

It is a question that contains the answer and is employed to make the concept clear. For example, in the poem following are the rhetorical questions:

“Or does it explode?”

 “Does it stink like rotten meat?”

Enjambment is a literary device employed when ideas or thought flows from one verse to another. The use of enjambment also creates a sense of tension, for instance,

“Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.”

When an implicit comparison is drawn between two objects or persons, it is called a metaphor. For example, in the poem “Harlem,” when the speaker says that “Or does it explode?” he compares the deferred dreams with bombs.

The recurrence of vowel sounds in a row is known as assonance. For example, in this poem, the /e/ sound repeats in verse Do it stink like rotten meat.” Similarly, the sound /o/ repeats in verse “Or fester like a sore.”

The recurrence of consonants sounds in a row is known as Consonance. For example, in this poem, the consonant /n/ sound repeats in verse “ like a raisin in the sun.”

Poetic Devices in the Poem

Poetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Here is the analysis of some of the poetic devices used in this poem

Though literary devices and poetic devices are the same things, some of them are only used in poetry, not in prose. Following are some of the poetic devices used in this poem:

The poetic form in which the poem is written is a stanza. The poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes has no set form as it is a free verse poem. The poem consists of 11 lines in four stanzas. Each stanza of the poem varies in length that adds a sense of impulsiveness to the poem. 

The poem has created its own form, which suggests that those whose dreams are deferred must find their own answers to what will happen to them now even if their answers explode the rules of the racially dominated white society.

In order to create a melodious stanza, poets use end rhyme. For example, in “Harlem,” the end rhymes are “sun/run” and “meat/sweet.”

Rhyming Scheme

The poem “Harlem” has no particular rhyming scheme. However, the first four lines of the poem follow ABCB rhyming scheme.

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Hughes’ “Harlem: A Dream Deferred” Textual Analysis Essay

The famous poet, James Langston Hughes, has started writing poetry at an early age. One of his most popular poems is “Harlem: A Dream Deferred.” In this profound poem, the poet says, “A life without no dreams is no life at all.” (Hughes) This poem is especially noteworthy for the use of literary devices like smiles, imagery and skewed rhyme schemes, etc, which make the poet’s abstraction more concrete and tangible for his audience. He postulates the idea that humans do not need to be afraid to dream. When we think more about our goals, they become imprinted in our subconscious mind and we see things related to them in our dreams when we sleep. Most of us often see dreams that we cannot fulfill due to certain limitations. This may have provoked thought in the poet about what happens to those dreams. Poems often reflect the ideas and thoughts of the writer who creates them. Mostly, we see poets expressing what they feel. But in Harlem, this does not seem to be the case. The poet is asking a lot of questions to the readers. It is up to them to figure out what happens to those dreams. The poet sees a dream like the one Martin Luther King has in “I have a Dream,” where African Americans will someday be respected and treated equally here in America.

The analysis of this essay will identify three points; the first describes how Imagery makes the poem more interesting and real; the second point will help describe the characteristics of the poem with a simile; and the third and last will show how the structure of the poem, plays a crucial role in giving it real form.

The poet has presented several similes in this piece, such as ‘Like a Raisin’, and ‘Like a Sore’. The poet asks whether the dream dries up like a raisin in the sun. The raisin is already dry, but even then it serves us with nourishment. When we continue to keep it in the sun, it will tend to lose its nutritional value. So we are likely to imagine that the dream may eventually dry up, and it appears that the poet is cleverly telling his audience not to waste their potential. He may even be hinting to the “sun” as White Americans who are supposedly exploiting African Americans in this country. On the other hand, the poet puts forth a different idea, something opposite to the raisin. He asks whether the dream got swollen up like a sore and then it ran. So, unlike the raisin that shrinks, maybe the deferred dream gets inflated and it escapes. This is similar to a situation when you let go of an inflated balloon, and you never know where it ends up when it falls to the ground. In this manner, I think the poet neither does know himself exactly where the dream will end up. It appears that the poet is telling us not to be too obsessed with our goals, to the extent that it may keep swelling to the extent that we may totally lose control over it.

The poet next asks whether the dream, similar to a sore stinks like rotten meat. The poet, through this allusion, perhaps refers to the bad dreams we have, which we interpret as nightmares, which destroy our peace of mind. Now, maybe, the poet uses the term ‘rotten meat’ to make us feel the pain of oppression and racism African Americans faced here in America; or maybe the author wants to tell us that if we do not convert our dreams into reality, those very dreams will soon start to rot, like meat that has been left unattended for several days. In the next line, the author asks whether the dream disguised itself as a syrupy sugary sweet crust. Dreams such as these, have been known to evolve with the help of one seeking positive goals and maintaining a positive attitude. “The dreams of life and goals” that humans have, are central to what makes men and women valuable members of society (Grimes). If we maintain this kind of positive thinking, our energy will in fact channel our surface; in the same way, a crust can be formed over our aspirations; that is when our goals and dreams can no longer be fulfilled. So, before the outer layers start forming, we must take control of our goals and put them into action very quickly. That may be why, “the poet” hints that our dreams sometimes sag and becomes a heavy load, when we are unable to fulfill them. “He then asks us the question,” if it doesn’t weigh down our dreams due to pressure, then it will explode, due to even more pressure. It is obvious that when people do not get their way, their emotions may eventually get in the way. This may lead to the very same type of explosion that happens when we come under pressure.

The poem has seven sentences out of which six are questions. The rhyme scheme is irregular, that is, a bad efe the. Here, ‘sun’ in the third line rhymes with the fifth line’s ‘run’; the sixth line’s ‘meat’ rhymes with the eighth line’s ‘sweet’ and the tenth line’s ‘load’ rhymes with the eleventh line’s ‘explode.’ “This irregularity gives these lines a jagged edge, like the edge of a shard of broken glass, enabling Hughes’s message to lacerate its readers” (J., Michael). In the fourth and eighth lines, there are two hyphens used. This is so that the poet can get the break that he wants in the sentence and so as not to create a stop in the sentence as well so that it can be read continuously.

This poem really does make a big difference, and in fact, it has influenced a lot of toward good things. People see dreams as a pathway to a better and constructive way of life, which is what clearly denotes, “the sweet side of hope” called equality; that African Americans have dreamed of for themselves for very long. This also can be taken into account in another way too, just like the sweet becomes rancid when a crust forms on its people back then and now, “in retrospect” to how groups of people have at present become politically energized in local and national politics today. This is a living example, which shows that imagery makes poems more concrete, similes help to interpret the characteristics of a poem, which can play a crucial role in giving that said poem, “real form” and “meaning.” So, as mentioned earlier, what Hughes says remains a fact of human existence: “A life without no dreams is no life at all.” We need not be afraid to dream. We can dream of changes, and those changes will definitely happen if we hold on to them and persevere. Inspiration can knock at your door at any time, just like opportunity. But if you seek and search for inspiration, you are bound to find it much quicker.

Learn to keep all those inspirations inner-mind and readily available, because there is one thing no one can stop you from doing, and that is dreaming. In reality of becoming a dream catcher, you will find out that you will eventually achieve some, if not all of your inspirations and dreams, that will play or change an intricate part of your life.

Grimes, Linda Sue. Hughes “Harlem-A Dream Deferred” Suite 101. 2008. Web.

Langston Hughes’s Harlem . You Tube. 2009. Web.

Michael, J. “Harlem” A poem by Langston Hughes Study guide. Amazon.Com. 2007.

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Bibliography

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by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun ? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

Meanings of Harlem

The poem Harlem demonstrates not only the ability of the poet to present the dream in sensory experience but also the qualification of the poem to be celebrated as a representative poem of the African American community regarding their ghettoized dreams in Harlem in New York.

Meaning of Line -1

What happens to a dream deferred?

Shown as the epigraph of the poem, this single line happens to represent the African American community. Living in Harlem, they think of themselves as part of the United States, having an American dream, but they cannot enjoy it. Therefore, the poet asks the readers what happens when the vision of the people is deferred. The use of passive voice to avoid the direct involvement of the subject , which has caused this deferment of their dreams, shows the situation of the speaker . This situation of deferment causes chagrin and agony in a community. Therefore, this line is the initiation of the main idea of the poem, which is the racial discrimination and achievement of the American Dream.

Meanings of Lines 2-9

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet?

Langston Hughes presents the American Dream likening to several material things that change with the passage of time, such as a raisin in the sun or a festering sore or rotten meat. All these things, when left unused, untreated, or uncovered, cause consequential rottenness. These metaphorical representations of an abstract idea through material things and that, too, asked through rhetorical questions show that this American Dream has become an anathema for the African American community. These verses contribute to the main idea of the poem, which is racial discrimination and the attainment of the American dream.

Meanings of Lines 10-12

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

When the speaker, the representative of the poem, thinks that all these metaphorical representations may be left unattended, he suggests another metaphor that is of something having sap in it. He seems to show that it just sags like “a heavy load” causing the watcher to see how it weighs because of having nothing significant in it. However, the final clincher sums up his entire idea. It is that if this racial segregation continues in the shape of the deferment of their American Dream, it may explode. And this could be in the shape of immediate recognition of their right to have their American Dream realized.

Summary of Harlem

• Popularity of “Harlem”: This short poem is written by Langston Hughes, a renowned American poet, novelist, and playwright. “Harlem” is a thought-provoking literary piece about dreams and plans. It was first published in 1951. The poem illustrates what could happen if our dreams are not fulfilled on time . It speaks about the fate of dream shelved, including hopelessness.
• “Harlem” As a Representative of Hopelessness: The poet narrates his disappointment of deferred dreams. The poem begins with a question as he compares the dreams or goals with a raisin, meat, and sweets. The poet has used these analogies to evoke the image of a postponed dream. Each image enables the reader to feel what exactly has happened to the speaker’s dream and the impact left on his mind. The description shows that his vision does not vanish so easily; instead, it goes through specific processes before reaching the actual state of decay.
• Major Themes in “Harlem”: Delay, sadness, and dreams are the major themes of this poem. The poem speaks about the oppression of African-Americans . The tone suggests that their goals always remain unapproachable and lose their meanings. The speaker feels the burden of these dreams, saying when the burden becomes unbreakable, it will explode. On a deeper level, the poet is talking about the people having big ideas, but life never allows them to make their dreams a reality. The same is the case with African Americans. They wanted to liberate themselves from the clutches of racism, but the supremacy of whites did not allow them.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Harlem”

literary devices are tools that the writers use to enhance the meanings of their texts and to allow the readers to interpret it in multiple ways. Langston Hughes has also employed some literary devices in this poem to express his ideas. The analysis of some of the literary devices used in this poem has been given below.

• Assonance : Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line. For example, the sound of /e/ in “Does it stink like rotten meat” and the sound of /o/ in “Or fester like a sore.”
• Consonance : Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line. For example, the sound of /n/ in “like a raisin in the sun”.
• Enjambment : It is defined as a thought in verse that does not come to an end at a line break ; instead, it rolls over to the next line. For example,

“ Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.”

• Imagery : Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. For example, “like a raisin in the sun”, “Does it stink like rotten meat” and “Or does it explode.”
• Metaphor : It is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between different objects or persons. For example, “Or does it explode?” Here the poet compares broken dreams with a bomb.
• Simile : It is a figure of speech used to compare something with something else to make the meanings clear to the readers. For example, “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”, “Does it stink like rotten meat” and “like a syrupy sweet.” Here are the broken dreams are compared to decaying food items.
• Rhetorical Question : Rhetorical question is a sentence which is posed to make the point clear. For example, “Or does it explode? “And “Does it stink like rotten meat?”

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Harlem”

Poetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Here is the analysis of some of the poetic devices used in this poem

• Stanza : A stanza is a poetic form of some lines. This is a short poem consisting of eleven lines with no stanza break.
• End Rhyme : End Rhyme is used to make the stanza melodious. For example, “meat/sweet” and “sun/run.”
• Rhyme Scheme : There is no particular rhyme scheme in this poem . However, the first four lines consist of the ABCB rhyme scheme.

Quotes to be Used

The lines stated below, and also the entire poem is suitable to use by the people longing for freedom.

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet?”

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Unpacking Langston Hughes’ Poem: Harlem (Dream Deferred)

• Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. In this article, we will unpack the poem line by line, examining its imagery, themes, and underlying message. Along the way, we will gain a deeper understanding of Hughes’ perspective on the African American experience and the challenges faced by those who struggle to achieve their goals in a society that often denies them equal opportunities.

Historical Context

During the early 20th century, Harlem became a hub for African American culture and creativity. Known as the Harlem Renaissance, this period saw a flourishing of art, literature, music, and intellectual thought among Black Americans. Langston Hughes, one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, used his poetry to capture the experiences and struggles of Black people during this time. His poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” reflects the frustration and disappointment felt by many African Americans who were promised a better future but were still facing discrimination and inequality. Understanding the historical context of the Harlem Renaissance is crucial to fully appreciating Hughes’ work and the impact it had on Black culture.

Analysis of the Title

The title of Langston Hughes’ poem, “Harlem (Dream Deferred),” is a powerful and thought-provoking phrase that immediately captures the reader’s attention. The word “Harlem” refers to a historically significant neighborhood in New York City that was home to a vibrant African American community during the early 20th century. The phrase “dream deferred” suggests that something important has been delayed or postponed, and the poem explores the consequences of this delay. The title raises questions about the nature of dreams, the impact of societal barriers on marginalized communities, and the potential for frustration and anger when hopes and aspirations are repeatedly thwarted. By analyzing the title of the poem, readers can gain insight into the themes and ideas that Hughes explores in his work.

Structure of the Poem

The structure of Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a series of questions that explore the consequences of delaying one’s dreams. Each question is a metaphor for a dream that has been put on hold, and the poem builds in intensity as each question becomes more urgent. The first question asks if a deferred dream “dries up like a raisin in the sun,” while the final question asks if it “explodes.” This structure creates a sense of tension and unease, as the reader is left wondering what will happen if these dreams are never realized. Additionally, the repetition of the word “deferred” throughout the poem emphasizes the theme of delay and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams before it’s too late. Overall, the structure of the poem effectively conveys the message that dreams should not be put off indefinitely, as the consequences can be dire.

Themes and Motifs

One of the most prominent themes in Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is the idea of unfulfilled dreams. Throughout the poem, Hughes poses a series of questions about what happens to a dream that is delayed or put on hold. He suggests that such dreams may “dry up like a raisin in the sun” or “fester like a sore.” These vivid images convey a sense of frustration and disappointment, as if the dreamer’s hopes and aspirations are slowly withering away.

Another important motif in the poem is the idea of time. Hughes uses a variety of metaphors to suggest that dreams that are deferred may become more and more difficult to achieve as time goes on. For example, he compares a delayed dream to a “heavy load” that becomes harder and harder to carry. This sense of time passing and opportunities slipping away adds to the overall sense of urgency and desperation in the poem.

Overall, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a powerful exploration of the human experience of unfulfilled dreams. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Hughes captures the frustration and disappointment that can come from putting one’s hopes and aspirations on hold. At the same time, the poem also suggests that there may be a sense of hope and possibility even in the face of such setbacks.

Symbolism in the Poem

The poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” by Langston Hughes is rich in symbolism. The central theme of the poem is the consequences of delaying one’s dreams. The poem uses various symbols to convey this message. The first symbol is the “raisin in the sun.” The raisin represents a dream that has been left to dry up and wither away. The image of the raisin is a powerful one, as it conveys the idea of something that was once full of life and potential, but has now become dry and lifeless.

Another symbol used in the poem is the “festering sore.” This symbol represents the negative consequences of delaying one’s dreams. Just as a sore left untreated can become infected and spread, delaying one’s dreams can lead to negative consequences that can affect not only the individual, but also those around them.

The final symbol used in the poem is the “explosion.” This symbol represents the potential for violence and destruction that can result from delaying one’s dreams. The image of an explosion is a powerful one, as it conveys the idea of something that has been building up for a long time and is now ready to burst forth.

Overall, the use of symbolism in “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” helps to convey the central message of the poem. By using powerful and evocative symbols, Langston Hughes is able to convey the consequences of delaying one’s dreams in a way that is both memorable and impactful.

Imagery and Figurative Language

Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a masterful example of the use of imagery and figurative language to convey a powerful message. Throughout the poem, Hughes employs a variety of literary devices to create vivid and evocative images that capture the frustration and despair of the African American experience in the early 20th century. From the opening lines, where he asks “What happens to a dream deferred?” to the final stanza, where he warns that a deferred dream “explodes,” Hughes uses metaphor, simile, and other figurative language to paint a picture of a community struggling to find its place in a society that has denied it basic human rights. By doing so, he not only gives voice to the struggles of his own generation but also speaks to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice that continues to this day.

The Significance of Harlem

Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City, has played a significant role in African American history and culture. During the early 20th century, Harlem became a hub for the Great Migration, a period when millions of African Americans moved from the South to the North in search of better opportunities. This influx of people led to a cultural explosion known as the Harlem Renaissance, which saw the rise of African American art, literature, and music. Langston Hughes, one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote his poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” during this time, capturing the frustration and disillusionment felt by many African Americans who had migrated to the North but still faced discrimination and inequality. Today, Harlem remains an important cultural center and a symbol of African American resilience and creativity.

The Dream Deferred

The Dream Deferred is a powerful and thought-provoking section of Langston Hughes’ poem, Harlem. It speaks to the idea of unfulfilled dreams and the consequences of not pursuing them. The poem asks a series of questions, each one building on the last, as if to say that the longer a dream is put off, the more dire the consequences become.

The imagery used in this section is particularly striking. The idea of a raisin in the sun, for example, is a powerful metaphor for a dream that has been left to wither and die. The image of a festering sore is equally powerful, suggesting that unfulfilled dreams can become a source of pain and infection.

What makes this section of the poem so effective is the way it speaks to a universal experience. We’ve all had dreams that we’ve put off pursuing for one reason or another. Maybe we didn’t have the time, the resources, or the courage to pursue them. But the longer we put them off, the more we risk losing them altogether.

The Dream Deferred is a reminder that our dreams are important, and that we should do everything in our power to pursue them. It’s a call to action, urging us to take risks and make sacrifices in order to achieve our goals. Because in the end, the only thing worse than a dream deferred is a dream that was never pursued at all.

Langston Hughes’ Purpose and Message

Langston Hughes was a poet who used his words to express the struggles and experiences of African Americans during the early 20th century. His poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a powerful example of his ability to convey a message through his writing. Hughes’ purpose in writing this poem was to shed light on the frustration and disappointment felt by African Americans who were denied the opportunity to achieve their dreams. The message of the poem is that when dreams are deferred, they can lead to negative consequences such as anger, bitterness, and hopelessness. Hughes’ use of vivid imagery and metaphors in the poem helps to convey this message in a powerful and memorable way. Overall, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a testament to Hughes’ skill as a poet and his commitment to using his art to speak truth to power.

Relevance Today

Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is still relevant today as it speaks to the frustration and disappointment that can arise from unfulfilled dreams. The poem’s central question, “What happens to a dream deferred?” is one that many people can relate to, as they may have experienced setbacks or obstacles that have prevented them from achieving their goals.

In today’s society, where social and economic inequality persist, the poem’s themes of injustice and inequality are particularly resonant. The poem suggests that when dreams are deferred, they can lead to anger, bitterness, and even violence. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing social and economic inequality, as well as the need to support individuals in achieving their dreams.

Moreover, the poem’s use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language continues to captivate readers today. The image of a raisin in the sun, for example, is a powerful metaphor for a dream that has been left to wither and die. This use of metaphorical language is a testament to Hughes’ skill as a poet and his ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way.

Overall, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” remains a powerful and relevant poem that speaks to the human experience of unfulfilled dreams and the need for social and economic justice. Its themes and imagery continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless work of literature.

Interpretations and Critiques

One interpretation of Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is that it speaks to the frustration and disappointment felt by African Americans during the 1950s. The poem suggests that when dreams are repeatedly deferred or delayed, they can become explosive and destructive. This interpretation is supported by the vivid imagery used throughout the poem, such as the comparison of a deferred dream to a “raisin in the sun” or a “festering sore.”

Critics of the poem have argued that it is too simplistic and does not offer any solutions to the problems it presents. Some have also criticized Hughes for focusing solely on the experiences of African Americans, rather than exploring the broader issues of inequality and injustice in society. However, others have praised the poem for its powerful use of language and its ability to capture the frustration and anger felt by marginalized communities.

Overall, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” remains a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of frustration, disappointment, and the destructive power of deferred dreams are still relevant in a world where inequality and injustice continue to persist.

Comparisons to Other Poems by Langston Hughes

When analyzing Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred),” it is important to consider how it compares to his other works. One of the most notable comparisons is to his poem “A Dream Deferred,” which shares a similar theme and structure. Both poems explore the consequences of delaying or denying one’s dreams, and both use vivid imagery to convey the frustration and disappointment that can result. However, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” takes a more specific approach by focusing on the experiences of African Americans in Harlem during the 1950s. This contextualization adds depth and nuance to the poem’s message, highlighting the systemic barriers that prevented many Black Americans from achieving their dreams. Overall, comparing “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” to Hughes’ other works can help readers better understand the poet’s unique style and perspective on the African American experience.

Impact on Literature and Culture

Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” has had a significant impact on literature and culture. The poem, which was published in 1951, explores the consequences of deferred dreams and the frustration and anger that can arise when those dreams are not realized. The poem has been widely studied and analyzed, and it has been cited as an important work in the development of African American literature.

One of the ways in which “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” has impacted literature is by inspiring other writers to explore similar themes. The poem’s focus on the frustration and disappointment that can come from unfulfilled dreams has resonated with many writers, and it has influenced the development of a range of literary works. For example, the poem has been cited as an influence on the work of writers like James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, both of whom have explored similar themes in their own writing.

In addition to its impact on literature, “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” has also had a significant impact on culture. The poem has been widely read and studied in schools and universities, and it has become a cultural touchstone for many people. The poem’s themes of frustration, anger, and disappointment have resonated with people from all walks of life, and it has become a symbol of the struggles that many people face in their lives.

Overall, Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” has had a profound impact on literature and culture. Its exploration of the consequences of deferred dreams has inspired other writers and resonated with readers from all walks of life. As such, it remains an important work in the development of African American literature and a cultural touchstone for many people.

Biographical Information on Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, and playwright who was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902. He was one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York. Hughes’ work often explored the experiences of African Americans and their struggles for equality and social justice. He was also a political activist and a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. Hughes’ poetry and prose have had a significant impact on American literature and continue to be studied and celebrated today.

Historical and Literary Influences on Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a prolific writer and poet who was heavily influenced by the historical and literary context of his time. Born in 1902, Hughes grew up during the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural and artistic flourishing among African Americans in the 1920s and 1930s. This movement had a significant impact on Hughes’ work, as he became one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance.

In addition to the cultural context of his time, Hughes was also influenced by the literary traditions that came before him. He was particularly drawn to the work of Walt Whitman, who celebrated the beauty and diversity of America in his poetry. Hughes also admired the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a poet who wrote about the experiences of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Hughes’ own work often explored the experiences of African Americans, particularly those living in urban areas like Harlem. His poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a powerful reflection on the frustrations and disappointments that many African Americans faced during this time period. The poem asks a series of questions about what happens to a dream that is deferred, or put off indefinitely. Hughes suggests that these dreams can fester and become a source of anger and resentment, ultimately leading to explosive consequences.

Overall, Hughes’ work was deeply influenced by the historical and literary context of his time. His poetry reflects the struggles and triumphs of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance, while also drawing on the traditions of earlier writers who paved the way for his own success.

Harlem Renaissance and its Significance

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York. It was a time when African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals flourished and created a new cultural identity for themselves. The movement was a response to the racism and discrimination that African Americans faced in the United States. It was a way for them to express their creativity and showcase their talents to the world. The Harlem Renaissance had a significant impact on American culture and society. It challenged the stereotypes and prejudices that existed about African Americans and helped to pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement. The movement also gave birth to some of the most influential writers and artists of the 20th century, including Langston Hughes. His poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a powerful reflection of the hopes and dreams of the African American community during the Harlem Renaissance.

The Role of Poetry in Social and Political Change

Poetry has always been a powerful tool for social and political change. It has the ability to express the emotions and experiences of marginalized communities, and to challenge the status quo. Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to shed light on the struggles of African Americans during the 1950s. The poem asks the question, “What happens to a dream deferred?” and goes on to explore the various ways in which the dreams of African Americans were being deferred at the time. The poem speaks to the frustration and anger felt by many in the community, and it helped to spark a conversation about the need for change. Poetry has the power to inspire, to educate, and to mobilize people to action. It can be a catalyst for social and political change, and it can help to bring about a more just and equitable society.

Analysis of Langston Hughes’ Writing Style

Langston Hughes is known for his unique writing style that combines elements of jazz and blues with traditional poetry. His use of repetition, imagery, and symbolism creates a powerful and emotional impact on the reader. In his poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred),” Hughes uses the metaphor of a deferred dream to explore the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations. The repetition of the phrase “What happens to a dream deferred?” throughout the poem emphasizes the urgency and importance of the question. Hughes also uses vivid imagery to describe the potential outcomes of a deferred dream, such as a “raisin in the sun” or a “festering sore.” These images evoke a sense of frustration and hopelessness, highlighting the negative effects of unfulfilled dreams. Overall, Hughes’ writing style in “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” effectively conveys the theme of the poem and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

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What happens to a dream deferred?

       Does it dry up        like a raisin in the sun?        Or fester like a sore—        And then run?        Does it stink like rotten meat?        Or crust and sugar over—        like a syrupy sweet?

       Maybe it just sags        like a heavy load.

        Or does it explode?

From  The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes  published by Alfred A. Knopf/Vintage. Copyright © 1994 by the Estate of Langston Hughes. Permissions granted by Harold Ober Associates Incorporated. All rights reserved.

More by this poet

The weary blues.

Droning a drowsy syncopated tune, Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon,      I heard a Negro play. Down on Lenox Avenue the other night By the pale dull pallor of an old gas light      He did a lazy sway . . .      He did a lazy sway . . . To the tune o’ those Weary Blues.

Theme for English B

The instructor said,

     Go home and write      a page tonight.      And let that page come out of you—      Then, it will be true.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

I've known rivers: I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the      flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

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Langston Hughes: “Harlem”

Read Langston Hughes’s “Harlem” at the Poetry Foundation collection.

Writing About Literature Spring 2024 Copyright © by Rachael Benavidez and Kimberley Garcia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Langston Hughes: Harlem Renaissance

This essay about Langston Hughes highlights his pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. Born in Missouri and raised in Kansas, Hughes moved to Harlem, where he drew inspiration from urban life and jazz to create poetry that resonated with themes of equality and social justice. As a key figure among artists and intellectuals, he helped shape a significant cultural movement in American history. The piece reflects on Hughes’ influence and the lasting impact of his work and the Harlem Renaissance.

How it works

In the effervescent heart of the 1920s, a cultural explosion ignited, setting ablaze the American landscape with a fervor of artistic expression and social commentary. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of this era, Harlem emerged as a beacon of creativity and resilience, drawing in a kaleidoscope of voices yearning to be heard. At the forefront of this movement stood Langston Hughes, a luminary whose words danced on the pages, painting vivid portraits of life, love, and the unyielding quest for equality.

Born into the hazy embrace of Joplin, Missouri, on a February day in 1902, Hughes’ early years were steeped in the rich traditions of African American heritage.

Raised by his grandmother in the heartland of Lawrence, Kansas, Hughes found solace and inspiration in the oral tales spun by his elders, stories that would later weave themselves into the fabric of his poetry and prose.

Hughes’ journey to Harlem was one of serendipity and destiny intertwined. After a fleeting encounter with academia at Columbia University, he embarked on a nomadic odyssey across the breadth of America, absorbing the sights, sounds, and struggles of a nation teetering on the precipice of change. It was amidst the hustle and bustle of Harlem’s bustling streets that Hughes found his true calling, his pen becoming a conduit for the dreams and aspirations of a generation yearning to break free from the shackles of oppression.

In the smoky depths of Harlem’s jazz clubs and speakeasies, Hughes found inspiration in the syncopated rhythms of the city, channeling the pulse of urban life into his poetry with a raw, unbridled energy. From the haunting lament of “The Weary Blues” to the defiant anthem of “I, Too,” Hughes’ verse resonated with an authenticity and urgency that spoke directly to the soul of America.

Yet, Hughes’ impact extended far beyond the realm of literature. As a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, he galvanized a community of artists, musicians, and intellectuals, transforming Harlem into a crucible of creativity and innovation. Through his collaborations with fellow visionaries such as Zora Neale Hurston, Aaron Douglas, and Duke Ellington, Hughes helped to shape a cultural movement that would forever alter the course of American history.

But for all his accolades and acclaim, Hughes remained ever humble and grounded, his heart attuned to the struggles of the marginalized and oppressed. Through his tireless advocacy and activism, he sought to dismantle the barriers of race and class that divided society, championing the cause of social justice with unwavering courage and conviction.

As the Harlem Renaissance ebbed and flowed with the tides of history, Hughes continued to evolve as an artist, exploring new forms and styles that pushed the boundaries of convention and challenged the status quo. From his experimental forays into jazz poetry to his groundbreaking work in the emerging genre of autobiographical fiction, Hughes remained a trailblazer and innovator until his final days.

Today, Langston Hughes stands as a towering figure in American letters, his words echoing across the decades with a timeless resonance and power. From the halls of academia to the streets of Harlem, his legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of art to transcend barriers and unite us in our shared humanity. And as we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that continues to inspire and captivate generations to come.

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