Background Information
Dream Deferred is a poem written by African-American poet, Langston Hughes. It was first published in 1951. The title of the poem is a play on words based on the old English phrase “dream deferred”, meaning a dream delayed or postponed indefinitely. The poem explores themes of racial injustice, struggle, and hope, while bringing together a series of poignant questions about the realities of racism in America.
Form and Structure
Dream Deferred is one of Hughes’s most famous and frequently anthologized poems. It is a three-stanza poem written in first-person lyrics. The poem is composed of seven lines in each stanza, with a rhyme scheme of ababcc. Each stanza consists of a question, the answer to which is revealed in the following stanza. The poem is written in the form of an African American spiritual and is often performed as such.
Meaning
The poem paints a vivid picture of an African American’s dream of living a full and successful life, only to have it deferred as a result of racism and inequality. Through an imaginative chain of metaphors, Hughes poses a number of poignant questions that ultimately lead to one conclusion: racism prevents a dream deferred from reaching its full potential. He compares the dream to a raisin left in the sun, a heavy burden, a sore, and a crust of bread, emphasizing that despair, disappointment and frustration are the inevitable result of a deferred dream.
Reception and Legacy
Dream Deferred has become one of Hughes’s most enduring and widely read poems, and it has been used in schools and in cultural events. The poem was incorporated into the musical “Dreamgirls” and was also featured in the 1989 movie “Do the Right Thing.” The poem is seen as a powerful statement of the African American experience in America and has become a source of inspiration for activists and writers alike.
Analysis
The poem is a powerful and thought-provoking piece. It is a stark reminder of the realities of racism and its devastating effects on the dreams and ambitions of millions of African Americans. Hughes calls attention to the ways in which racism can rob a person of their hopes and dreams and leave them with only disappointment and despair. Furthermore, the poem serves as a solemn reminder of the promise of a better future and the need to continue fighting for a more just and equitable society.
Conclusion
Dream Deferred is a timeless poem that speaks to the struggles of African Americans and all those who face racial injustice. It serves as a powerful reminder that dreams can be postponed but not forgotten and that those who fight for justice will eventually see their dreams come to fruition.
Perspective from Experts
Experts have argued that Langston Hughes’s poem serves as an important reminder of the pervasive injustice and inequality that continue to plague the African American community. It highlights the need for economic opportunities, access to quality education, and the right of self-determination. In addition, civil rights experts have argued that the poem serves as a call to action for individuals to strive for justice, equality, and the fair and equitable treatment of all people.
Ideological Implications
Dream Deferred was written during a period of immense political strife – the civil rights movement and the rise of the Black Power movement. The poem serves as a reminder of the long history of injustice and inequality faced by African Americans, as well as the need for social and political change.
Applications in Everyday Life
The poem has been used in literature classrooms for decades and continues to be an important source of inspiration and education. It serves as an important reminder of the need for individuals to take actions towards making the world a more equitable and just place.
Symbolic Analysis
The poem is also filled with symbols and metaphors that emphasize the power of dreams and the struggle to realize them. Hughes compares the dream to a raisin in the sun, a heavy burden, a sore, a crust of bread, and ultimately a detonation. This serves to highlight the power of dreams and their ultimate consequence should they go unfulfilled.
Comparative Analysis
Dream Deferred can also be compared to other works from the period. For example, the poem is similar to Robert Hayden’s “Middle Passage” in its exploration of racial injustice and oppression. Similarly, the poem shares themes and imagery with many of Hughes’s other works and can be seen as part of a larger body of his work dedicated to exploring the African American experience.
