Dream Deferred

A detailed Summary of Dream Deferred


"Dream Deferred" is a stimulating poem that addresses the possible consequences that could result from deferring a dream. The author explores what might happen through highly effective visual similes and metaphors. The importance of this short poem relates to the time it was written (1951) and the ethnic background of the author (African-American). A dream is synonymous to hope, desire, goal and fantasy--something that all African-Americans in 1951 had.

The speaker is the author himself and he addresses everyone. He describes a state of mind, exposing it through poetry. The author wants the reader to consider what feelings might result if a dream doesn't manifest, or if physical manifestation of a dream is delayed. These feelings could be even more significant if related to the hopes and dreams of the black community--a segment of the population whose dreams h


ave been deferred since their ancestors were forced entrance into this country.

"Maybe it just sags"(9); "like a heavy load."(10)--These are the most moving lines, written as statements, perhaps to hint at what most people would do with their deferred dreams. This would represent a burden that would sink to the depths of our spirit and be carried for life. "Or does it explode?" (11)--the most nebulous, yet most powerful question. What is "it"? And what exactly does explode mean? The reader is left thinking of the frustrations that must be felt when a dream is deferred. It is the punch-line which turns this poem into a political statement.

Several responses are given to the initial question: "What happens to a dream deferred?"(1), by introducing vivid similes and metaphors. "Does it dry up"(2), "Like a raisin in the sun?" (3)--perhaps describing how a drea

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 587
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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