Why Did Langston Hughes Write A Dream Deferred?
The world of literature and those who frequent it, often remember the late Langston Hughes as a Harlem Renaissance poet. His poem, “A Dream Deferred”, while short and sweet, provides a vivid and powerful message promoting the fear of dreams unfulfilled by African-Americans living through segregation and racism. The poem was written in 1951 and published in 1952 in Hughes’s anthology, Montage of a Dream Deferred. Langston Hughes wrote his poem to express his feelings of what life was like for the African American in the south and to show the ongoing struggle of economic hardship, racism and segregation. In this poem, Hughes speaks in the voice of African-Americans living in the south and speaks out on their dreams being deferred or put off.
The poem is written with a clarity and brevity that reflects the daily experiences of African-Americans in the South. “A Dream Deferred” conveys the sense of frustration, anger and cynicism felt by African Americans in the early 1950s. The poem paints a vivid picture of the struggles and obstacles put in place by the Jim Crow laws, societal norms and customs, and the structural racism of the South. The imagery and metaphors used by Hughes in the poem speak loud and clear about the plight of African-Americans. Dream’s being acted upon and taken away, like summer’s harvest, situations that are ripe and forgotten, hindered by the oppression of society, leaving behind nothing more than threats and despair.
Hughes was a master of what was later called “code switching”. He wrote in a blues-like poetry style that spoke directly to the experience of a people oppressed and marginalized by a system of racism and segregation. People could read his poems and hear him speak in a way that connected deeply with their own experiences. By his use of symbolism and imagery, he was able to convey a deep poignancy that resonated with the reader on a personal level.
Hughes was able to capture the essence of the African-American experience and the challenges of living through segregation, giving them a powerful collective voice and a chance to express their hopes and dreams. His poems allowed African-Americans to both understand and better articulate the injustice of the times. He gave them a means to both visualize and understand the injustice that was done to them. This was particularly powerful when coupled with the civil rights movement, which was at its height at the time.
By the time he wrote “A Dream Deferred”, Hughes had already established a powerful voice in the African-American community. He wrote the poem to express his feelings and as a call to action. While the poem speaks to a specific historical context, it also speaks to more universal themes of hope and perseverance in the face of injustice. His poem was a reminder that dreams could be achieved, but that the road to achieving them often had its hurdles.
The Social and Political Climate of The Time
At the time of the writing of the poem, segregation and Jim Crow laws kept African-Americans segregated and in poverty in many parts of the US. Although the US was finally in a post-war economic boom, the African-American community was not receiving the same prosperity. The reality of life for African Americans living in the South was one of discrimination and inequality. They were frequently subjected to violence and limited opportunity. This caused many to come together to fight for their civil rights, and Hughes was at the forefront of this movement.
In “A Dream Deferred” Hughes utilizes dark imagery to express his feelings on the situation. He speaks of a dream that could not be reached, of the deferred promise of opportunity and freedom. He also alludes to the fear of rising tensions during a time period of economic disparity and perceived humiliation to the African-American population, among other ills. This poem comes as a reminder of the plight of the African-American people and of the effects of racism and segregation.
The poem calls for courage and determination in the face of adversity. Hughes speaks of hope remaining in the face of despair and of pressing on after one’s dreams have been denied. He encourages his readers to fight for their rights and to pursue their dreams, no matter how hard the road may be.
Reaction To The Poem
When the poem was published, it was seen as a call to action by the African-American community. It quickly became a rallying cry during the civil rights movement and a symbol of hope. The poem was widely read and widely circulated and was deemed a powerful expression of the plight of African-Americans living in the south.
The poem has come to be seen as a statement of the possibilities of a new future, and as a means to fight for equality and justice. It is a statement of unity and solidarity between African Americans and other oppressed and marginalized people seeking their own freedom from oppression. It is a reminder that no matter the odds, it is possible to have dreams, and to pursue them.
Influence on Other Writers and Society
The poem has been cited by many leaders of the civil rights movement in their speeches and writings, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Congressman John Lewis. Its widespread popularity and its imagery have left a lasting impression on society. It is a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is a fight for all. The poem is often taught in classrooms and its imagery has been used in many forms of artistic expression.
Langston Hughes was one of the foremost African-American authors of the twentieth century. His writing served to open the eyes of the nation to the plight of the African American, and to point to a path of hope and possibility. His seminal poem “A Dream Deferred” serves to inspire, encourage and remind us that no matter what obstacles are in our way, our dreams can still be achieved.
Impact of the Poem on Modern Life
The poem is still a relevant document of struggle and pain, as the theme of racism is still prevalent in today’s society. African-Americans still find themselves in situations of poverty and facing inequality in many aspects of life. The poem resonates with those who struggle for their dreams and for rights for actions taken against them. It is a reminder that, no matter what, one must not give up hope.
The poem also speaks to the courage and determination of those that have stood up against oppression. It serves to remind us that, even in the face of adversity, one must keep fighting and never give up. “A Dream Deferred” speaks to the possibilities of a more equitable and just society, where all people of all backgrounds can come together and pursue their dreams.
Memebrs of the Community Keeping the Poem Alive
There are many activists and organizations across the US that are keeping the legacy of Langston Hughes alive. Groups like the Langston Hughes Society and The Langston Hughes Project work to preserve and promote his work and legacy. They also facilitate cultural events and activities that showcase Hughes’s work and to promote understanding of and appreciation for his work.
The Langston Hughes Project sponsors an annual writing competition, the Langston Hughes Creative Writing Award. Contest winners are awarded a scholarship to the Langston Hughes Memorial and Cultural Center in Columbus, Ohio. The Project also sponsors an annual festival, held in Wilberforce, Ohio, to celebrate the legacy of Langston Hughes.
Many schools and universities across the US have established Langston Hughes Centers, or have added classes or curriculum to provide a deeper understanding of his work and its impact on society. In New York City, a community organization in Harlem is working to rebuild the Langston Hughes Playhouse, the first professional theater aimed at African-American audiences.
The legacy of Langston Hughes is never fading; he is still inspiring a new generation of poets, writers, and activists. The power of his words are still being rediscovered in today’s social and political climate and his poem “A Dream Deferred” is still as relevant today as it was when it was written.
Conclusion
The poem “A Dream Deferred” by Langston Hughes provides a powerful message about the plight of African-Americans living in the South during segregation. Hughes wrote the poem as a call to action and as a reminder that dreams can be achieved, even in the face of adversity. Since its publication, the poem has gained much notoriety, becoming a rallying cry during the civil rights movement and a symbol of hope. It has served to inspire and motivate a nation to come together and fight for the rights of its citizens. The legacy of Langston Hughes and his poem “A Dream Deferred” will continue to live on, serving as a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of equality.
