Context
The renowned African-American poet, Langston Hughes wrote the poem, ‘I Too’, in 1926 and it was first published in The Nation magazine. This poem, part of the ‘Harlem Renaissance’, explores the idea of racial segregation, and is often seen as expressing the poet’s suppressed pain of being born during an era of prejudice.
The speaker in this poem is an African American, who remarks ironically about being forced to the back of the national literary, political and cultural sphere — of being made invisible by the discrimination in his native land.
Within the poem, Hughes explores themes such as racial segregation, oppression, hope, and resilience.
Tone Analysis
The tone of the poem can best be described as hopeful and defiant. In this poem, the poet does not let himself be overwhelmed by feelings of hatred and despair, and instead, presents a tone of resilience.
Although there are moments when the speaker expresses pain and sorrow, the poem generally expresses a sense of optimism and hope. This is evident in lines such as, “I laugh, shake hands, and eat with them” which speaks of a defiant attitude in the face of oppression.
This positive tone further elevates the message of the poem, which is to challenge the status quo of racism and injustices. By presenting a tone of hope, this poem conveys the message of perseverance and unending strength in fighting against injustice and prejudice.
Social Commentary
‘I Too’ is a powerful commentary on racial segregation and oppression. The poem is a reflection of America’s social situation in the early 20th century. The poet describes how despite the suppression and inhumane treatment, African Americans are marginalized and excluded from taking their rightful place in the American society.
Hughes makes a strong and disapproving statement, when he talks about how the African Americans are relegated to social, political and literary backdrops in their native country. This powerful statement expresses Hughes’ anger over the unfairness of the treatment, and this message is even more highlighted by his defiant and hopeful tone.
Poetic Devices
Hughes has deftly used different stylistic devices to enhance the impact of his poem. This includes the use of metaphor, repetition and personification. For instance, Hughes used personification to powerful effect when he talks about his vocal chords being “an echo” – expressing the speaker’s despair of not having his voice heard in a country which he calls his own.
Through different stylistic devices, Hughes successfully manages to express the pain and sorrow of being part of a racist and oppressive society.
Theme of Resistance
The theme of resistance runs throughout the poem. Hughes conveys the idea of steadfastly standing up against racism and oppression. Even in the darkest of moments, the speaker approaches the situation with defiance, bravery and a sense of optimism which he hopes will “some day be free”.
Through this defiant attitude, the speaker wants to challenge the status quo, and carries a message of resistance to his people. This is to stand up against the injustice, and to openly challenge the idea of segregation and suppression in a society which scorns its darker skinned citizens.
Conclusion
The poem, I Too, is a powerful commentary on racial segregation and prejudice. Through his defiant and hopeful tone, Hughes speaks of the importance of resilience in fighting against discrimination. This poem conveys its powerful message through the strategic use of metaphor, repetition and personification. In the end, this poem conveys the underlying theme of resistance against racism and inequality.
Relevance for Today’s World
Although written more than nine decades ago, this poem still carries relevance for our present times. From people being discriminated against solely due to their skin color to unequal opportunities being given to people of color, many of the struggles that Langston Hughes spoke of in his poem express a reality that we are still living in today. His poem still stands as an important reminder to keep fighting for racial justice and an equal society for all.
Creating New Narratives
By writing ‘I Too’, Langston Hughes hoped to create a new narrative. Through this poem, the poet wanted to show that although the situation wasn’t ideal, African Americans could still be resilient and hopeful in the face of racism and inequality. He also wanted to challenge the status quo, and offer a new and different narrative which could stand as a beacon of hope for all people of color around the world.
Expression and Solidarity
Poems such as ‘I Too’ not only offer a sense of expression and solidarity to those who are discriminated against; but it also serves as a reminder that racism and inequality should not be accepted, but actively challenged by challenging the status quo. This poem speaks of a hope for a more equal society for all, and provides comfort and strength to those who are struggling against racial injustices.
Legacy of this Poem
Langston Hughes’ poem, ‘I Too’, is an important part of American poetry and literature. The poem stands not only as a reminder of the injustices of the past, but also of the importance of challenging racial injustice and oppression. The poem stands as a powerful and defiant testament of strength, resilience and hope, and serves to inspire us to never give up in our fight for an equal and just society.
