Overview of Langston Hughes’ Harlem
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright, and columnist, who was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1910s and 1920s. One of the most recognizable poems that Hughes wrote is Harlem. As a poem, it poses a fundamental question of what dream deferred could represent. This article explores the poem, Harlem, by Langston Hughes, and its theme.
Analysis of Harlem
Harlem is generally accepted as one of Langston Hughes’ most recognized works. Written in 1951, the poem follows a simple structure of nine three-lined stanzas. Through it, Hughes invites his readers to consider what might happen if dreams are deferred or postponed. This question is probed in the poem’s first line, which reads: “What happens to a dream deferred?”
To answer, the poem displays examples of what could possibly happen to a dream that has been left behind. Possible outcomes are presented in the following lines of the poem:
“Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore–
And then run?
The next stanzas of the poem provide other illustrations of what a deferred dream could do. Hughes also begins to weave in a historical context for the poem. As he writes about what could happen to a dream deferred, he speaks of the African American experience in the first half of the 20th century.
In the final stanzas, Hughes takes a decisive stance on the subject. He ends the poem by asserting that a “dream deferred” will explode if it is left to stagnate. This idea illustrates what can happen when the institutional racism of the time hindered the aspirations of African Americans.
Symbolism of Harlem
The poem contains several symbols that express Hughes’ feelings on the subject. For example, his use of the phrase “raisin in the sun” is symbolic. A raisin, which is dried up, can reflect the way Hughes envisioned a deferred dream in the poem. In this case, the potential of the dream is dried up, just as a raisin would be.
The phrase “sore–” in the poem is also loaded with symbolism. This imagery likely reflects the way Hughes believed that a deferred dream could eat away at one’s soul until the dream is either realized or forgotten. It is in this way that the symbolism of the poem serves to express Hughes’ feelings of being trapped in a situation where a deferred dream is the only option.
Purpose of Harlem
With this poem, Hughes is attempting to make a statement on the plight of African Americans in the United States during the mid-20th century. He emphasizes that a dream deferred can have a detrimental effect on one’s psyche, such as a feeling of despair and hopelessness. It is here that he wishes to convey the notion that a deferred dream is more than just a dream; it is a representation of the possibility of progress and a better life. He also wishes to entice readers to consider how this issue has persisted throughout the course of American history.
Criticism of Harlem
One of the criticisms surrounding this poem is that it is too simplistic and does not fully explain the complexity of the African American experience. Also, some critics believe that Hughes has not done enough to address the systemic oppression that kept African Americans from achieving their dreams. They argue that Hughes should have gone further in exploring the experience and how it was relevant to the time.
Interpretation of Harlem’s Theme
The overall theme of Langston Hughes’ poem, Harlem, is of being stuck in a situation where progress is not possible. It is a poem that speaks to the feelings of being trapped in a cycle of poverty, race-based prejudice and systemic inequality. It is Hughes’ hope that readers gain an understanding of what African Americans faced in the mid-20th century and be spurred to action to confront and address these issues.
Relevance of Harlem Today
Although Langston Hughes died in 1967, his works remain relevant today. Unfortunately, many of the systemic issues Hughes wrote about in his poem, Harlem, still persist in today’s society. Despite the advances made in civil rights and social justice, African Americans are still subject to far less opportunity than their white counterparts.
From this, we can see how Hughes’ poem is still highly relevant today. It speaks to issues of inequality, racism and injustice, and it serves as a reminder of the need to keep fighting to challenge these issues and push for real change and progress.
The Legacy of Langston Hughes’ Poem, Harlem
Langston Hughes’ Harlem is remembered as a powerful poem that speaks to the struggles and concerns of African Americans in the mid-20th century. Through its powerful words and vivid imagery, Langston Hughes captures the feelings of despair and hopelessness that comes from having a deferred dream. It is a reminder to never give up on one’s dreams and to fight for progress and justice.
Modern Art Interpretations of Harlem
Since its initial release, Langston Hughes’ poem, Harlem, has been used as a source of inspiration by many modern artists. From visual art, to theater, to literature, and even music, Hughes’ poem has been adapted and interpreted by numerous artists in various mediums. These modern interpretations serve to bring a new perspective to the poem and open up conversations about racism and inequality.
For example, the 2016 album, Distance, by multi-platinum selling artist, Chris Brown, includes an entire track based off of Langston Hughes’ poem. Another example is the 2017 play, In What Language Do I Dream, which uses Hughes’ poem as a source of inspiration for a story about a girl trying to find her place in today’s society, intersecting it with themes of identity, gender and race.
Final Reflections on Harlem
Langston Hughes’ Harlem is a poignant poem that questions what can happen to a dream deferred. It is both a historical document and a reminder of how far we still need to go in achieving equality and justice. Through its use in modern art, Hughes’ poem continues to remain relevant in today’s society. Its timeless message of hope and perseverance makes it an inspiration and an important reminder of the power of dreams.
