Commentary on Langston Hughes

A detailed Summary of Commentary on Langston Hughes

Commentary on Langston Hughes Poem: Let America Be America Again

According to a poem written by Langston Hughes tilted

"Let America Be America Again," he addresses the plight of America. He focuses his attention on the deferred dreams of those who dare to believe in the principles of equality and opportunity. Hughes clearly refutes the foundation on which this country rests which is the Declaration of Independence. Although many may argue this poem was formulated during a time of civil inequality the message is supported by history and the current status of America, which has many of the same social problems it had when it was founded.

Hughes' poem is insightful and created for a general audience. The narrative is told through the eyes of an "African American," but he assumes the role of the poor white, Negro, redman, and immigrant. He further asserts his common bond with the unfortunate Americans by stating "I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil. I am the worker sold to the machine. I am the Negro, servant to you all. I am the people, humble, hungry mean." This repetitive structure reaffirms the reader that this is a personal struggle that many can relate to.

Hughes presents America as a tarnished symbol that was built on

the backs of those who fell prey to the spell America cast on them. The poem opens with patriotic flair, "Let be the pioneer on the plain; Seeking a home where he himself is free." This image of opportunism and freedom seem more like a dream than reality when he continues on in the poem. He alludes to the Declaration of Independence by saying, "Let it be a strong land of love; where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme; That any man be crushed by one above." We are a society founded on the principle of dog eats dog and mighty crush the weak. Our strong land of love is a society where love succumbs to power, profit, and greed. The symbol of "Lady Liberty" has lost its luster and she is "crowned with a false patriotic wreath." Hughes even compares the less fortunate to those that "mumble in the dark," and questions those "that draws a veil across the stars," keeping those that wish upon a star hopeless. The problems addressed in the poem are as historic as America itself.

In parallel to the theme of Hughes' poem, great strides have been made to further the ideals of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," but the dream is not yet a reality. I feel like I have to work twice as hard to achieve my goals in life because I am not one of the privileged f

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Approximate Word count = 852
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Commentary on Langston Hughes

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