Key Information:
- Title: “I, Too, Sing America”
- Poet: Langston Hughes (1910-1967)
- Published: 1926
Theme: Racism and American Identity.
Literary Device: Alliteration, Allusion, Extended Metaphor.
Summary
The poem “I, Too, Sing America” is a very important poem by Langston Hughes in which he sheds light on racism. He wrote it during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, he highlights the inferiority he has accepted in America due to his black complexion. In this short poem, he expressed his anger. He himself is an American citizen, yet he is ruled and exploited by the so-called social order and White Americans.
At the beginning of the poem, the speaker tells the world that he too is an American. He can also sing American songs. He describes himself as the “negro brother” of Americans, even though he has no chance of equalizing with white Americans. Although he is an integral part of America, he is still neglected by the majority of White Americans. Each line of this poem highlights the regret of the poet’s mind. The way he is oppressed despite being an American is exposed here. But he ends the poem optimistically. He dreams that one day these differences will disappear. White Americans will one day be ashamed of their discrimination. On that day there will be no more discrimination. Black Americans will also be considered and respected as part of this country.
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