Background of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was born in Joplin, Missouri, and is best remembered for his work as a poet. His poetry has been praised for its lyricism, and he was a major contributor to the Harlem Renaissance. In his lifetime, he had published eleven books of poetry, five books of short stories, six works of non-fiction, and three novels. As part of the Harlem Renaissance, he sought to bring the African American experience to the forefront of literary art. His poetry, which often utilizes jazz music as a muse, has been described as “stomps, blues, and bebop” because of its musicality and rhythm. While his work often revolved around contemporary issues in American society, his poetry also reflects his experiences and feelings as an African American.
Hughes maintained a commitment to the black experience. He wrote that African Americans should “march and build, fight, and starve” so they could “live free in their own land.” He also wrote of the importance of channeling inner strength and power in the face of systemic racism and racial injustice. He believed that people of color should take pride and joy in the beauty of their culture and identities.
What is the Meaning of “Harlem”?
Hughes’ poem “Harlem” is about the potential for aspirations to remain unfulfilled and the potential for dreams to be deferred. The title itself is an allusion to the cultural and economic hub of African American life in the early 20th century—the Harlem Renaissance. The poem’s speaker poses the rhetorical question of what happens when a “dream deferred”—a dream that is postponed, suspended, or even denied—by asking what results when a dream is put off too long. The poem highlights the possibilities of hope and determination in the face of oppression, but it speaks more specifically to the deferred dreams of African Americans.
The poem expresses the idea of wanting something but being unable to have it. It conveys feelings of loss and of being stuck in a moment of time; a dream deferred can make people feel hollow and helpless. It is a reminder of how difficult it is when facing oppression in one’s own life or in the lives of others, but it also illustrates the potential for extending hope and pushing through adversity.
Themes in “Harlem”
The poem proposes several questions about the fate of a dream when it is deferred, such as, “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” and “Does it stink like rotten meat?” The poem suggests that there are a variety of potential outcomes for a dream that is deferred, and that each of these outcomes is unpleasant in some way. To further emphasize the idea of deferred dreams and their consequences, the poem mentions various images that can cause discomfort: raisins in the sun, a syrupy sweetness, stinking meat, and festering sores.
In addition to deferment, “Harlem” also illustrates themes of freedom and choice. Even in the midst of a painful and oppressive reality, the speaker proposes the idea that there is choice when a dream is deferred. Although the potential outcomes are unpleasant, there is still potential for hope and for the pursuance of one’s goals. The poem suggests that if a dream is deferred, the individual might choose to “explode” or “sing” and turn their frustration into power and strength.
Comparisons of “Harlem”
In comparison to other writers of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes’ writing style is more direct and personal. His poetry speaks to the specific struggles of African Americans, and he puts emphasis on the power and pride of the African American community. As a poet, his work is often lyrical but still speaks to the issues of racism and identity in a way that shows his commitment to his race. He utilizes a wide range of literary devices—such as metaphor, simile, and repetition—to express his themes of hope, strength, and resolve in the face of racism and other forms of oppression.
In comparison to other poets of his time, such as Claude McKay, who wrote about African Americans with a “bourgeois- liberal” perspective, Hughes was more mindful of the African American perspective. He sought to elevate African Americans’ voices and ideas, rather than using his poems to offer a narrative that is dominated by white, Western perspectives. In “Harlem,” his bluntness conveys a sense of power and strength that his contemporaries did not often express in their poetry.
Impact of “Harlem”
Hughes’ poem “Harlem” has had a lasting impact on many generations. It is considered to be a universal standard of African American literature and is still widely studied and analyzed today. The poem is often used as an example of Hughes’ belief of “sharing pain, not just pleasure”—an ethos that serves to remind us that our struggles and dreams can be of solidarity and strength. As he wrote, it is essential to “build, fight, and starve” for our dreams, and “Harlem” serves as a reminder of this.
In addition, “Harlem” was a catalyst for a renewed effort to sough out and celebrate the contribution of African Americans in American culture and literature. The poem emphasizes the strength and potential for transformation that can come from adversity, which is a central part of the African American experience. Whether it is used to talk about the struggles of African Americans, the importance of dream-building, or the power of resilience, the poem continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem” is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression. Through its use of imagery, metaphors, and allusions, the poem speaks to the importance of persevering and pushing forward in the pursuit of one’s dreams. The poem also serves to remind us that hope and strength can be found even in the midst of hardship or adversity. “Harlem” encourages us to never give up and to always keep striving for a better future.
