The Poetry of Langston Hughes
“Let America Be America Again”
Langston Hughes- 1902-1967
Reflection
The poem ‘Let America be America Again' is talking about the American dream which can be defined as the idea that everyone should achieve their dreams; that is, love, freedom, equal opportunity, justice, and fairness (Hughes, stanza 1). Langston Hughes wrote this poem during the 20th century when poor White and Negro were denied liberty and freedom. I think that the American dream assured equal opportunity for all but African-Americans did achieve their dream. In stanza six, where he says ‘homeland of the free', Hughes uses a sarcastic tone to indicate that America has never been a free homeland. In general, Hughes says that the American dream never occurred to the African-Americans and the immigrants.
I have enjoyed reading the poem, and I feel that in writing this poem, Hughes desire to have the real America that was intended to have love, liberty, freedom, and equality (Hughes, stanza 5). Note that these positive features do not exist in America, but rather, America is characterized by tyrants' scheme, slavery, greed, gang, rape, among others (Hughes, stanza 3). Americans did not expect these things; instead, they desired a free homeland. Therefore, the narrator says that the dream is dead, and he appeals to the poor man to build a better America and make their dreams come true (Hughes, stanza 14). In describing how America looks like, he uses an angry voice. However, at the end of the poem, the narrator uses a hopeful and optimistic tone by saying that ‘America will be' (Hughes, stanza 17). He calls the disadvantages, discriminated, and prejudiced to rise up and make America look as it was intended to be.
Langston Hughes. Mother To Son
Reflection
My personal reflection on this poem is that it is about a mother expressing her negative life experience. I believe…no crystal stair (Hughes, line 9), symbolizes how the life has been tough and full of pain, difficulties, troubles, sufferings, and adversities. However, the mother tells the son that she has never stopped making an effort. Therefore, she persuades her son not to give up in times of challenges, but he should continue to move forward to achieve his dreams.
I feel that in writing this poem, Hughes was thinking about the African Americans and the poor living conditions they experienced in the 20th century. I think the narrator is an African-American mother talking to his son about the oppression and racial injustices they experienced. Because the mother knows that her son will also encounter the same challenges, he urges him to persevere the ups and downs, and move forward for a better life (Hughes, line 9). I have gained hope and encouragement from this poem. Despite the troubles and challenges I encounter in life, I should persevere until I achieve my goals. The poem reveals the reality that life is full of difficulties, but despite everything, one should struggle until one reaches his or her desire.
Work cited
Attached files
Langston Hughes- 1902-1967. "Let America Be America Again"
Langston Hughes Mother To Son
