Six out of seven sentences in this poem are questions. By formatting his poem this way, Hughes is able to depict the many questions African Americans had about their lives, and the one line that is not a question in this poem, shows not a definite answer to the questions- resembling how African Americans never received a solid answer as to why they were forced to endure the worst. Each question allows the reader to see and smell the frustration of African Americans. The second question asked whether or not dreams fester like sores and then run; in other words, referring to African Americans trying to escape no matter what condition they're in, thus leading to "Does it stink like rotten meat." This question can create an image of the many dead bodies of African Americans and the infections or diseases they encountered, and the poor health that they were in which lead to some deaths. Following this question comes the very powerful question that directly impacts the others. "Or crust and sugar over- like a syrupy sweet" can be directly related to how White Americans tried to cover up the racism against African Americans, the pain and sufferings, the dead bodies and how America herself was involved in the cover-up.
Hughes' continuous questions creates a sense of tension along with the anger and frustration that develops with the different stressed syllables in each line. The use of such similes and strong choices of diction creates disturbing images and images where you can clearly see what is going on. "Maybe it just sags like a heavy load" showed the burden that African Americans had to carry and in order for a dream to come true, does one have to explode in an outburst of violence? Or is it that when one finally realizes that a dream does come true, explode in tears of joy?
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ReplyDeleteYour insight on this analysis was quite strong and direct, which I think is very good. I liked that you broke down the similes and compared them to the state or conditions of African Americans during that time period. I thought you explained everything well and your content was clear to understand. I liked and thought it was ironic that you ended your explanation with two questions, being that the poem was composed by them.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis kept me reading, which probably means you are able to stick to your points and not deviate from them. Very good job in my opinion!
Jessica, I definitely agree one can see, smell, or taste the frustration of African Americans with the racial discrimination and suffering during the time the poem was written. It stinks like "rotten meat" and "festers like a sore." Your interpretation of the last question "Or crusts and sugars over like syrupy sweet" of white Americans trying to cover up racism is really good. I never thought about it like that. I agree with your interpretation of the "heavy load" simile. African Americans feel this dream of the American dream being deferred is really burdensome. Eventually, they will take action against this oppression.
ReplyDeleteI think our analysis on the tone is a little of you said that one gets a sense of frustration and hatred in the poem. I think on the part of the frustrations you are right but i do not think there is really any sense of hatred because the poem was not meant to show as a way to express hatred at not being able to achieve their American dream but more about delaying achieving that dream and the consequences that comes from their delay.
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