I Too by Langston Hughes is a powerful poem that speaks to the personal and political identity of African Americans in the United States. The poem’s narrator is an idealistic figure who is inspired by the common, everyday experiences of African Americans. Hughes’ use of the phrase “I too” declares the speaker’s solidarity with his fellow African Americans, but also expresses a desire to be included in the American dream. In the first line, the narrator tells the world that he is “black,” a stark feat in the era in which it was written (1920s). By inserting “I too” in the second line, Hughes implies that the narrator himself is part of a larger community of African Americans and is entitled to the same American opportunities as everyone else.
The next two lines are where Hughes’ own experiences come into play and his poem takes on a deeper meaning. The narrator says that he “sings America” and is “in America, too”. Here, Hughes is asserting that the African American is an intrinsic part of the nation’s fabric. The repetition of the phrase “I too” serves to emphasize the idea of both a personal and a collective understanding of the African American’s place in the United States.
Experts believe that the poem is a call to action for African Americans, inspiring them to fight for their freedom and recognition. It is an assertion of a people’s presence in the nation and of their rights to enjoy the same life, liberty and pursuit of happiness that any other American is allowed. Hughes’ message is unmistakable: American society needs to recognize the African American as an equal citizen of the nation.
It is also argued that Hughes’ poem is unique in its ability to concisely express the simultaneous fear, pride, and hope of African Americans in the United States. Academic Linda Mason believes “Hughes’ poem expresses the plight of blacks in America with dignified poise and intense emotion. His use of repetition in the line ‘I, too, sing America’ is a powerful testament to the plight of African Americans and a call to embrace America’s promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens.”
My analysis of I Too suggests that there is a sense of pride and optimism in the poem. The narrator implies that he is an individual of worth, separate from the “they” and the outsiders, and that he is an “American, too”. The poem suggests that the narrator will retain his sense of pride, despite being overlooked and overlooked by the white majority. In addition, the phrase “I, too, sing America” implies an optimism, a belief that the narrator will one day have his opportunity to take part in the American Dream.
The Use of Metaphor and Symbolism
In I Too, Langston Hughes uses a variety of metaphors and symbolism to illustrate the oppression of African Americans in America. The poem opens with the phrase “I am the darker brother,” which evokes the idea of light and dark skin but also implies a metaphorical “shadow,” or a lack of recognition. Similarly, the phrase “They send me away to eat in the kitchen” serves as a metaphor for segregation in society and the exclusion of African Americans from the “main table” of American life.
The phrase “but I laugh/ and eat well” is symbolic of the struggle and resilience of African Americans. Despite the oppression and adversity, African Americans persevered and maintained a sense of joy and dignity. Finally, the phrase “I, too, am America” is a powerful assertion of African American citizenship and a call for Americans to recognize the rights of all their citizens.
The Relevance of I Too Today
One hundred years after its publication, I Too remains relevant. Mason argues, “The poem is a reminder that the civil rights dream has yet to be realized, and a call for all of us to continue striving for freedom, justice and equality for all.” Although I Too speaks of a time when civil rights were a distant dream, it is still an ironic reminder of the disparity between these ideals and our everyday reality.
I Too speaks to the current civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality, justice, and inclusion in the United States. Its message is as relevant today as it was in the 1920s. Scholars argue that the poem continues to provide inspiration and hope to African Americans, and to all those struggling for justice and freedom.
The Role of Art in Social Justice
Art has long been used as a tool to call attention to social injustice, as is seen in Langston Hughes’ work. Philosopher Stanley Cavell suggests that art can “expand our understanding of what is possible, both for our society and for individual lives.” By reading I Too, people can gain a better understanding of the African American experience and, in turn, think more deeply about how to create a more equitable society.
Hughes’ work has inspired a generation of artists and activists alike. His words continue to resonate among those seeking change and inspire new generations to fight for their rights. Mark Anthony Neal, professor of African American Studies at Duke University, asserts that “Hughes’s vision helped to serve as a catalyst of sorts for a generation of black Americans, who were determined to make African-American dreams a reality in the American Dream.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, I Too is a powerful and influential poem by Langston Hughes that speaks to African Americans’ place in the United States. It offers a powerful assertion of African American citizenship and reinforces the idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. It also serves as a reminder of the power of art in making a change for social justice. Finally, the poem continues to be an inspiration for those seeking to create a more equitable society.
