Print
Word
PDF|
This section contains 253 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |
|
"Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes
Summary: In his poem "Dream Deferred," Langston Hughes addresses the question of what happens when a person's dreams are destoyed. Hughes describes several possible scenarios to answer the question, using strong imagery in each scenario to describe a negative, destructive outcome for a dreamer left unable to dream.
Langston Hughes was a prominent figure in writing about the struggles of African Americans. In his work, "Dream Deferred," he ponders the question what happens when a person's dreams are destroyed.
The opening line of Hughes' poem asks the question, "What happens when dreams are deferred" or postponed? He refers to several possible scenarios, all with a negative effect.
His first scenario is "a raisin in the sun." This symbolizes a hardening. If a dream is destroyed it hardens the heart. It becomes useless just the like the dried up raisin.
The second situation describes a festering sore symbolizing infection. Dreams that are left to die will infect or poison the mind.
Thirdly, Hughes uses the image of rotten meat to describe dashed dreams. This conjures up images of stinch and sourness. The conquered dreamer is left with a sour disposition.
Fourth, Hughes describes demolished dreams as "crust...
|
This section contains 253 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |
|
