Opening Poem Summary

"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 syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?" – Langston Hughes

Opening Poem Analysis

The book opens with a poem by Langston Hughes. Gloria Naylor, the author, uses poetry and song lyrics throughout her book as a vehicle to help the reader understand what she is trying to convey about the various women. The opening poem tells us the book will be about dreams unrealized and challenges us to answer the question as we encounter each woman's story.