Langston Hughes A Dream Deffered

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Watson 1 Langston Hughes's poem Harlem (A Dream Deferred) is about what happens to dreams when people postpone making them come true. Written during the Harlem Renaissance it is a reminder of what happens when one gives up on dreams and ideas that can potentially have a great impact in history. The title of the poem, Harlem (A Dream Deferred) is a nod to the Harlem Renaissance, a period of time where African American in Harlem, New York (and all over the United States) were following their dreams and doing great things. The Harlem Renaissance grew out of the changes that had taken place in the African American community since the abolition of slavery. Characterizing the Harlem Renaissance was an overt racial pride that came to be represented in the idea of the New Negro, who through intellect and production of literature, art, and music could challenge the pervading racism and stereotypes to promote progressive or socialist politics, and racial and social integration. The Harlem Renaissance was one of primarily African-American involvement. It rested on a support system of black patrons, black-owned businesses and publications. This is the positive effect of Hughes’ poem, the effect of not deferring your dreams and following through with them to become successful. The theme of the poem simply means that to postpone one's deepest dreams, goals and desires can lead to destruction of one’s self, “Or does it explode?” (line 11). The tone of the poem is questioning as Hughes uses rhetorical questions to answer his original question about what happens to dreams and causes the reader to actually think about what happens to dreams that you give up on. Hughes also uses imagery and similes to show that any important dream or goal that is delayed can have serious negative effects.

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