“Harlem” and “Harlem [1]” by Langston Hughes
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- Brief historical perspective.
- These opening two lines.
- Harlem (A Dream Deferred) and its similarity to the theme of 'Harlem [1]'.
- The second to last group of lines and why they stand out from the rest of the poem.
- Conclusion.
SummaryIn two poems entitled "Harlem (A Dream Deferred)" and "Harlem [1]," Langston Hughes conveys his strong personal opinions and emotions about racial tension and racial issues in America during the first half of the twentieth century. Though each poem concentrates on Hughes' native city of Harlem, the racial tension present in this city is simply a microcosm for the racial issues that America faces as a whole during the time in which Hughes wrote each poem. Racial equality and race relations were the main focus of all of Hughes work throughout his entire life which is reflected clearly in these two poems. Through the use of powerfully figurative language, effective and clear organization, and poetic devices such as personification, simile, and hyperbole, Hughes sharply conveys his theme of mounting racial tension and unjust inequality in each poem, but accomplishes this more concisely and poignantly in "Harlem (A Dream Deferred)."
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