Harlem by Langston Hughes was written in 1951. This poem holds a significant location in American literature and is one of the most recognized poems of the 20th century.
Harlem by Langston Hughes was published in the same year as the international event of the Festival of Negro Arts in Paris. Hughes was featured as one of the artists present in the event and consequently his work was in the center of the attention that followed. This poem resonated with people from all walks of life, ultimately becoming an eternal piece of American and literary culture.
Harlem by Langston Hughes is a short poem that engages and conveys a range of emotions to the audience. Instantly, it establishes the concepts of yearning and possibility to the reader. Feeling both of these emotions are essential for any piece of literature that focuses on dreams and aspirations.
The poem primarily communicates the idea of “inconclusive dream”. It opens with a rhetorical question, which references the idea of racial prejudice; “What happens to a dream deferred?” By the second stanza of the poem, the theme bolsters, with the phrase – “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” – being used in the text. This phrase is a reference to a play by Lorraine Hansberry – A Raisin in the Sun – concerning a family and the racial problems they face in the US.
The third and fourth stanzas of the poem symbolically uses imagery to reinforce the poem’s primary message. The phrases “explode” and “fester” invoke visuals of internal explosions and growth within the character. This has significant implications concerning how one should approach and pursue their dreams in terms of timeliness and long-term view.
The fifth stanza utilizes a more direct approach by stating that a “dream deferred makes a man lonely.” This line allows the reader to understand the inner struggle that the character is facing with his dream. This struggle is something that many can identify with.
In the last two stanzas, the poem provides a suggestion on how to pursue dreams. The character suggests that dreams must be followed promptly and should never be forgotten, as “it just sags like a heavy load.” This serves as a reminder to the readers of the poem to never postpone their dreams and to get up and take action on them as soon as possible.
The Influence of Harlem by Langston Hughes
Harlem by Langston Hughes created a strong cultural impact in its time. This poem spoke to people of all walks of life. It effectively hit a nerve among many readers. The poem inspired many young people to pursue their dreams and zero in on their goals bluntly and honestly.
It is argued by theorists that the poem was largely responsible for the freedom and victory of the African American collective dream. Many students were writing reports on Hughes’ poem and how it relates to their own individual dreams. This reaction resonated with the youth of the time and still does today.
The poem has been used as a literary standard in many American high schools. As a result, many students read and appreciate it during their studies. It often serves as an example to illustrate the perfect model of a poem and how to write effectively.
The Lasting Impact of Harlem by Langston Hughes
Harlem by Langston Hughes continues to remain relevant today, almost 69 years after its publication. The poem often appears in movies, television series, books, quotes and even on social media.
At the start of the millennium, the poem was often mentioned in discussion forums, online articles, and featured in various songs from popular American hip hop and R&B artists. The contemporary relevance of the poem has allowed many to appreciate the message and beauty of the poem.
At the same time, Harlem by Langston Hughes has raised some concerns around its portrayal of racial prejudice. This is particularly concerning due to the poem’s popularity across generations.
The poem has become one of the most popular works of literature in high schools today. As a result, it has started to be taught and examined by academics, who have raised questions over the accuracy and sensitivity of the poem’s message and its relevance in today’s society.
Critical Analysis of Harlem by Langston Hughes
Harlem by Langston Hughes is a masterfully crafted and thought-provoking poem. It juxtaposes the political, religious, and cultural impact of the poem with the personal, potential, and even metaphysical implications of dreamy, delayed aspirations.
The poem was a reflection of Langston Hughes’ dedication to the arts and his willingness to overcome inequality. Its combination of rhetorics, symbols, and imagery makes for both an offensive and contemplative piece simultaneously.
These elements have managed to capture and keep the attention of the reader and have allowed for an active and engaging reading experience for both critics and casual observers. The poem has raised a range of philosophical questions and challenged theories of power and equality across various formats.
Additionally, the poem has packed a punch through its utilization of cultural, religious and political references. Specifically, the poem’s reference to Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, challenged the world’s views on the topic of civil rights, power, and the human spirit.
Poetic Analysis of Harlem by Langston Hughes
Harlem by Langston Hughes follows a strict rhyme scheme, following an AABBCDEEF format. Additionally, the meter also follows suit, as it follows a strictly 8/3/8/3 pattern, which gives the poem a distinctive rhythm.
Through these techniques, the poem is able to maintain a fluid and consistent reading. This enhances its poetic flow and ultimately allows for a more intimate engagement between the reader and poem.
The poem’s imagery works on a symbolism based level as well. Its use of metaphors and intentional language choices allow for the reader to feel a range of emotions as they progress through the poem. This adds to its legacy of being an emotionally powerful poem.
The main takeaway of the poem however is Hughes understanding of dreams and how they should be pursued. The poem is able to effectively demonstrate this message through the trinity of technique, imagery, and diction.
The Meaning of Harlem by Langston Hughes
At its core, Harlem by Langston Hughes is a poem that speaks to the power of dreams and goals. Whether they are delayed or obstructed, the poem is a rallying cry to pursue them with strength.
The poem serves as a reminder that one should never give up on their dreams and that they should provide direction and motivation to pursue them.
The poem continues to be widely appreciated by many. Its primary message, despite being written almost seventy years ago, remains to be relevant and powerful today.
Controversies Surrounding Harlem by Langston Hughes
At the same time, the poem has had to face its fair share of scrutiny. Critics have argued that the poem was used as a platform to further highlight racial prejudice and marginalization. This is concerning since the poem is read and celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds today.
Others have argued that the poem is wrapped in patriarchal oppression of the time; something which hindered the message of the poem for many. There have been several attempts by historians to reinterpret the poem and make it more sensitive to its reader.
At the same time, there are those who appreciate the poem for its message and its relevance to today’s society. Regardless, the poem has found its place in the realm of literature and remains to be recognized today.
Conclusion
Harlem by Langston Hughes is an iconic piece of literature written in 1951. The poem is considered an ode to dreamers of all kinds, challenging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations with fortitude and courage.
The poem has become a cultural and literary reference point, inspiring a range of artists and scholars. The poem has also been met with controversy, as it has been criticized for its portrayal of racial issues. Regardless, it has managed to establish itself as an integral part of American cultural history.
