There is no rhyme scheme or meter that the poem utilises. It is written in free verse. I, Too Summary
There is no rhyme scheme or meter that the poem utilises. It is written in free verse.
See lessEnglish Notes Latest Questions
-
The central idea of Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too" revolves around the themes of racial identity, resilience, and the quest for equality in American society. The poem poignantly addresses the discrimination faced by African Americans during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. The speaker, identifyinRead more
The central idea of Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” revolves around the themes of racial identity, resilience, and the quest for equality in American society. The poem poignantly addresses the discrimination faced by African Americans during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. The speaker, identifying themselves as the “darker brother,” talks about the systematic oppression and exclusion that they, among other African American identities, have faced. Thus, the process of being sent to the kitchen when company comes symbolizes segregation and marginalization. Despite this mistreatment, the poem looks optimistically toward the future, envisioning a time when the speaker will no longer be excluded and will have a place at the table, signifying equality and inclusion.
See less
-
Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a resemblance or analogy. It can be seen in the phrase, "I am the darker brother.", which metaphorically conveys the speaker’s racial identity anRead more
- Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a resemblance or analogy. It can be seen in the phrase, “I am the darker brother.”, which metaphorically conveys the speaker’s racial identity and also their experiences with racial discrimination.
- Enjambment- Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, stanza, or verse. It is used in the poem.
- Allusion- An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. The first line of the poem is a direct reference to Walt Whitman’s famous poem I Hear American Singing where Whitman describes all kinds of American identities that collectively make up the song of America.
- Repetition- Repetition is the recurrence of words, phrases, or lines for emphasis or rhetorical effect. The repetition of “I, too” throughout the poem reinforces the speaker’s assertion of identity and presence, emphasizing their inclusion in the American experience.
- Symbolism- Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often giving deeper meaning to the text. Here, the table symbolises the larger American society that tends to exclude the speaker and send him away.
-
The poem delves into the stark contrast between the romanticized perception and the harsh reality of racial dynamics. It illustrates how, to a white observer, the Southern landscape may seem idyllic, yet their arrogance blinds them to the harsh struggles faced by the African-American community. TheRead more
The poem delves into the stark contrast between the romanticized perception and the harsh reality of racial dynamics. It illustrates how, to a white observer, the Southern landscape may seem idyllic, yet their arrogance blinds them to the harsh struggles faced by the African-American community. The central theme revolves around the pervasive racial discrimination, portraying the challenging lives led by the black community due to systemic prejudices.
Visitors to the Black Belt Summary
See less
-
Poem explores the themes of romanticisation versus reality of the situation. In the poem, the poet talks about the difference in the sight of a white person and an African-American. To a white American, the black belt or Southern America looks romanticized or dreamy. They are unable to overcome theiRead more
Poem explores the themes of romanticisation versus reality of the situation. In the poem, the poet talks about the difference in the sight of a white person and an African-American. To a white American, the black belt or Southern America looks romanticized or dreamy. They are unable to overcome their arrogance and look at the reality of the suffering that the African-American community faces. The poem also talks about the racial discrimination highly prevalent in the country. The black community lives sub par lives because of the discrimination against their race.
Visitors to the Black Belt Summary
See less
-
The poem does not follow any rhyme scheme. Visitors to the Black Belt Summary
-
Repetition- Repetition is a literary device in which a word, phrase, or line is repeated for emphasis or effect. The phrase “South Side” and “To me” are repeated in the poem. Rhetorical question- a rhetorical question is a question asked by the poet without the intention of getting an answer but toRead more
- Repetition- Repetition is a literary device in which a word, phrase, or line is repeated for emphasis or effect. The phrase “South Side” and “To me” are repeated in the poem.
- Rhetorical question- a rhetorical question is a question asked by the poet without the intention of getting an answer but to put stress on an idea. The poem ends with the poet asking the question “Who’re you, outsider?” To emphasize on the subverted idea of the outsider.
- Enjambment – enjambment is when the line is continued onto the next line without any pause. In the poem, the poet uses enjambment to create an internal connection within the lines.
- Allusion – allusion is used when the words or phrases in a poem refer to something else. In this poem the poet refers to the segregation Law as well as the Harlem Renaissance that happened in America.
- Oxymoron- oxymoron is the use of two contrasting words in order to bring together two opposing ideas. In the poem the line “Kitchenettes/ With no heat” is an oxymoron.
- Antithesis- antithesis is used to put two ideas, qualities or words parallel to each other. In the poem, the poet uses antithesis in the lines “Across the railroad tracks/ To me it’s here/ On this side of the tracks.”
Visitors to the Black Belt Summary
See less
-
The main idea of the poem is about racism, showing how African Americans face unfair treatment from White Americans. The poet, using a woman speaker, also talks about sadness and losing loved ones. Both the poet and the woman feel the pain of losing someone they care about. The mention of a lover byRead more
The main idea of the poem is about racism, showing how African Americans face unfair treatment from White Americans. The poet, using a woman speaker, also talks about sadness and losing loved ones. Both the poet and the woman feel the pain of losing someone they care about. The mention of a lover by a crossroads tree brings in a religious idea, like when Jesus was crucified. This connects the themes of racism and religion in a way that makes you think about how they are linked.
See less
-
The poem revolves around the theme of racism. Hughes emphasizes the racial discrimination faced by the African American community at the hands of the White Americans. They are oppressed, suppressed and looked down upon. The poem, through the woman speaker, also touches upon the theme of grief and loRead more
The poem revolves around the theme of racism. Hughes emphasizes the racial discrimination faced by the African American community at the hands of the White Americans. They are oppressed, suppressed and looked down upon. The poem, through the woman speaker, also touches upon the theme of grief and loss. The poet and the woman feel the loss of loved ones. Both of them lose someone that they love and have to go through the grief of it. The description of the woman’s lover from a crossroads tree is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This way, the poet also brings in the theme of religion in reference to racism.
See less
The poem addresses the racial segregation and marginalisation of African Americans mainly in the landscape of America. This struggle is symbolised by the speaker being sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. As the poem provides a discourse on the African American identity, it also asserts thRead more
The poem addresses the racial segregation and marginalisation of African Americans mainly in the landscape of America. This struggle is symbolised by the speaker being sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. As the poem provides a discourse on the African American identity, it also asserts the speaker’s pride in being part of America. Despite facing discrimination, the speaker emphasizes their beauty and refuses to be marginalized. Thus, the speaker is resilient and assertive of their identity. Their ability to laugh, eat well, and grow strong in the face of adversity reflects perseverance and strength. This resilience becomes a source of empowerment and a means of resisting oppressive treatment. Lastly, the closing declaration, “I, too, am America,” asserts the speaker’s rightful place in the country and emphasizes a sense of unity. It challenges the notion that African Americans are somehow separate or excluded from the broader American identity.
I, Too Summary
See less