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Langston Hughes’ “A Dream Deferred” is a poem that is structured in a way that reflects the frustration and uncertainty of the speaker. The poem is made up of eleven lines, each of which is a question or a statement that builds on the previous one. The first line sets the tone for the entire poem, asking, “What happens to a dream deferred?”
He asks first, what happens to a dream that is deferred – that is, a dream or ambition which is never realised? Does it try up like a raisin in the sun, shrivelling away and losing something of itself? Or does it grow putrid and infected, like a sore (on a body) from which pus runs? And does the dream come to smell like rotten meat?
Jan 22, 2024 · The overall effect is a call for action, for a resolution to the dream deferred. The poem also speaks to the power of the human spirit. Despite the obstacles placed in our way and the oppressive environment, Hughes reminds us to dream and never give up hope.
This metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the emotional impact of deferred dreams. Overall, Hughes’ use of imagery, repetition, and metaphor in “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” helps to create a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the consequences of unfulfilled dreams.
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up. like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags. like a heavy load. Or does it explode? Langston Hughes, "Harlem" from The Collected Works of Langston Hughes.
Summary and Meaning Harlem (Dream Deferred) by Langston Hughes describes a dream that was postponed. The reasons are left uncertain as to why the dream was left off, but the poet makes sure to put our feelings into words and describe how a deferred dream feels like.
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Montage of a Dream Deferred deals with the consciousness and lives of black people in Harlem. It also explores the continuous racial injustices in the Harlem community. The poem “Harlem” shows the harm that is caused when one’s dream of racial equality is delayed continuously.
