When Langston Hughes’s poem, Dreams, was published remains unknown. This can be attributed to the fact that the poem was originally published with no mention of its author’s name. Dreams is often taken as an example of Hughes’ writing genius. Its highly lyrical, yet simple language offers an evocative portrait of American dreamers; small but determined voices, yearning for an impossible success.
America has long been a land of dreamers seeking a better life, however, Dreams often exhibits the frustration of their efforts. Hughes, himself, was a figure who rose from obscurity to become a legendary leader of the Harlem Renaissance. His knowledge of the concept of the American Dream inspired him to craft the beloved poem. It is a struggle to determine exactly when Dreams was published, as it has become so popular it has featured in a multitude of different books and journals, without any definitive date.
Experts in poetry and literature have consistently praised Dreams for its ability to touch its reader’s emotions. The directness of the poem, combined with its vocal imagery, creates an anthemic feel with an underlying sadness. The refrain is poignant and inviting, compelling the reader to intimately relate to their own personal dreams. The poem teeters on the line between despair and hope, which speaks directly to the spirit of the 20th century experience. As far as the literary movement of the time, it can be said that Dreams helped to shape the future of African-American literature.
Dreams is often seen as a reflection of a time, a mood, and a movement. This can be explained through its historical context. During the 1920s and 1930s, when Hughes wrote the poem, African American communities were forced to face numerous hardships. This era of American history was characterized by severe discrimination, defined by a lack of freedom, opportunity and justice. These issues are often echoed in Dream’s simple yet inspiring words. Therefore, it’s understandable why many have gravitated towards the dreamers poem.
Hughes was able to capture the evolving sentiment of his generation through his words, to become its poetic messenger. It is that extraordinary quality that has made Dreams an iconic work of literature. It has been compared to the national anthem of oppressed minorities, paving the way for a new era of artistic freedom. The poem is often popular with teachers, as it encourages readers to reflect on the challenges faced by their own dreams and aspirations. Ultimately, Dreams has become the voice of those who refuse to submit to the forsaken destiny of the 20th century.
The Impact of Dreams
Dreams has become arguably Langston Hughes’s most well-known and celebrated poem. It has achieved a level of notoriety unmatched by most other literary works. The lengthy poem may have gone uncharted, but not unappreciated, in the archives. It has since become a staple of American literature and is often included in classrooms and literature courses across the nation.
The poem has also been credited with elevating the respect of African-American writers and poets, inspiring many to devote their careers and their lives to creating meaningful works. It has become a constant source of comfort and courage, encouraging readers to remain steadfast in their ambitions and to never give up in the face of adversity. Truly, Dreams is an example of Langston Hughes’s immeasurable contribution to literature.
Other Langston Hughes Works
Hughes was a prolific author, with a wide-range of styles, who wrote numerous award-winning works. He wrote in many styles and forms; plays, short stories, novels and poems, from which he earned a degree of notoriety. His 1953 anthology, ‘Montage of a Dream Deferred’, earned him widespread acclaim, as well as a National Book Award. The anthology is a complex mixture of all of his works and contemporaries’, showcasing his ability to capture the spirit of his time and culture, as well as its themes of race, poverty, ambition and identity.
In his lifetime, he won a string of awards, such as the Poetry Society of America, Guggenheim Fellowship, and an induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature twice and was named ‘the Shakespeare of Harlem’, widely known as a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. After his death in 1967, his work, including the poem Dreams, continued to expand in its appreciation and popularity, taking its place in literary classic status.
Form and Structure of Dreams
Dreams is a sonnet, written in blank verse, which over the years has grown to be a favorite to many. The poetic form is fairly standard; the opening couplet and the closing sestet. Structurally, Hughes keeps a consistent use of meter and rhyme scheme. This helps the poem to stay consistent, despite the idea which is so complex. Hughes’ poem ends with the refrain which offers a sense of resolution, showing how dreams can heal wounds and comfort the sorrow of reality.
Other great examples of Hughes’s poems, in blank verse, are ‘Dream Variations’ and ‘Dream Boogie’ . These two poems, along with ‘Dreams’, often tell the same story of embracing one’s dreams. They each serve as a reminder of life’s possibilities, even if for some, those possibilities may seem out of reach. Ultimately, these poems are reminiscent of what it means to have dreams in times of difficulty.
The Legacy of Dreams
Dreams is a kind of cry of anguish, but one which offers hope within the despair. It has since gone on to inspire many, artists, musicians and writers alike. Its impact has been seen throughout the American landscape and its message continues to resonate with people today. Despite the lack of information regarding when it was published, fair speculation would place its origin somewhere in the 1920s or 1930s.
The timelessness of Dream’s message has made it popular with modern audiences. It has found its way into many different mediums, such as TV, film, music, and other artistic works. Recently, the song ‘Dreams’ by the band the Fleetwood Mac was inspired by the poem, drawing a clear line between the original and the modern incarnation. Dreams remains a cultural touchstone for poets, writers, and dreamers.
Conclusion and Analysis
Though the exact origins of the poem Dreams, by Langston Hughes, remain a mystery, its impact is clear. Today, we can still feel the same emotion and passion, which drew Hughes to write the poem. Dreams is a work which offers us a glimpse into his soul, a raw and honest depiction of his personal struggle, and one which still resonates with audiences today. We can only imagine how different the face of literature, music, and art would be, had Langston Hughes never created this symbol of hope and resilience.
