The poem ‘Dreams’ by Langston Hughes has remained a vibrant and lasting example of the Harlem Renaissance movement. The poem is an ode to the importance of continued dreaming and fighting on, despite the hardships we face. Langston Hughes has crafted an admirable and timeless piece of literature, and part of that involves employing a particular poetic form – the rhyme scheme.
To understand the rhyme scheme of Dreams, it is important to first gain a basic understanding of what rhyme schemes are. A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes used in a particular poem or song. The pattern is usually denoted using the letters of the alphabet to represent individual lines. For example, ababcc is the rhyme scheme for a limerick.
Similarly, the rhyme scheme for Dreams by Langston Hughes can be referred to as abab. It follows an iambic tetrameter, which involves four iambic feet in each line. This means that the majority of the poem consists of the same iambic meter, but each line ends with a different word and ends in a different rhyme.
The work begins with the line, “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die”. The rhyme scheme is then repeated in the subsequent lines. The second line, “Life is a broken-winged bird”, follows the same rhyme scheme, and so on until the end of the poem. The last line of the poem reads, “This be our reply to deaf and dumb despair”.
Understanding the rhyme scheme of this poem is important, as it gives us a better understanding of Langston Hughes’ poetic structure and literary devices. By paying attention to the rhyme scheme of the poem, we are able to appreciate the work on a further level. The use of rhyme can provide emphasis to particular lines or ideas, and can help to convey the emotion of the poem.
It is also worth noting that ‘Dreams’ is not a traditional poem, as it does not adhere to the conventions of standard poetic forms. This makes it all the more interesting, as it allows Langston Hughes to explore an entirely new level of poetic expression.
Poetic Form – Overview
While ‘Dreams’ by Langston Hughes may not conform to the conventions of standard poetic forms, the poet has still crafted a unique and engaging poem. Part of this is due to the creative use of the abab rhyme scheme. This specific rhyme scheme is known as the double rhymes form, and it is often used in rhyming verses and sonnets. The form of the poem is complemented by its arrangement of 8 syllables per line. This metre helps to give the poem a sense of regularity and flow.
To summarise, the rhyme scheme of Dreams by Langston Hughes is abab, and this is known as the double rhymes form. The poem is written in an iambic tetrameter, with 8 syllables per line. This helps to provide a sense of regularity to the work, which aids the overall effect of the poem.
Themes & Interpretation
The rhyme scheme of Dreams helps to highlight the various themes of the poem. Primarily, the poem is concerned with perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. Langston Hughes conveys this message by cleverly weaving together various images and objects, such as birds and skies, to paint a vivid and powerful picture. This is complemented by his use of the abab rhyme scheme, which further emphasizes the importance of the object – in this case, the ‘dream’.
Additionally, the poem explores the idea of the constraints placed on many people’s dreams. The poem emphasises the importance of resilience, and encourages the reader to never give up, despite the obstacles they may face. This is highlighted through the use of the double rhymes form, which creates a sense of stability and regularity, even in the midst of chaos.
On another level, the poem can be read as an ode to the importance of freedom and equality. Langston Hughes explains that, even in a world filled with injustice, one should never abandon the power of the dream to bring about a more equitable society. This is reflected in the consistent rhythm of the poem, which serves to emphasize the importance of remaining faithful to one’s dreams.
Language & Imagery
In addition to employing an effective rhyme scheme, Langston Hughes has also made use of powerful language and imagery to convey his message. He mentions a number of different images throughout the poem, such as birds and skies. These images are often used to emphasize the poet’s key themes, such as resilience and the pursuit of dreams.
Similarly, Langston Hughes also employs powerful language to emphasize his main ideas. He speaks of enduring through adversity and having “the blues”, reflecting the frustration and sadness that can come with a lack of opportunities. By using emotive language, the poet encourages the reader to relate to the characters in the poem and feel a sense of solidarity.
Overall, Langston Hughes uses language and imagery to create a vivid and powerful image of the world depicted in Dreams. Through the combination of intense language and an effective rhyme scheme, the poet is able to convey an important message about perseverance and hope.
Criticism & Popularity
Dreams by Langston Hughes has remained popular and relevant in the decades following its publication. Critics have praised the poem for its effectiveness, clearlylibrastructuring, and emotive language. They have also praised its message of resilience, confidence, and equality. Additionally, the poem has been used in educational settings, as a way of introducing students to the power of poetry.
The poem’s popularity is also likely due to the fact that it speaks to universally human experiences. Despite being written in the mid-20th century, the poem is still relevant today. It speaks to the difficulties of living in an unjust world and encourages its readers to remain faithful to their dreams and never give up.
Conclusion
Dreams, by Langston Hughes, is a powerful poem that speaks to the importance of dreaming and resilience. The poem employs an abab rhyme scheme, also known as the double rhymes form, combined with an iambic tetrameter. This provides a sense of regularity and flow to the poem, which helps to emphasize the messages of perseverance and hope. Langston Hughes also employs powerful language and imagery to bring the poem to life, and it has remained popular and relevant ever since its original publication.
