This world is full of unknown and unexplainable objects and events that can be hard accurately interpreted or have a clear answer to the question. Still, it is undoubtedly that every person has had at least one dream in life. Everyone has big and small desires which are supposed to become a reality one day. Nevertheless, what eventually happens to a plan which was forgotten or ignored due to particular circumstances? The discussion about this question is perfectly portrayed in Hughes’s poem Harlem. The author questions the current faith in the aspirations that once were relevant and, for some reason, lost their priority to the people and became forgotten. Through the reflection on the fate of unrealized dreams, the author portrays other connected components: racial equality, emotional well-being, and the general concept of personal goals.
Hughes often makes the central theme of his works the experience of the black people who live in America and face numerous challenges every day due to systematic oppression. Harlem is no exception, and this poem demonstrates a perspective of the African-Americans who try to find their place in the world of white people and fight for their rights and freedom. One of the meanings is that all the activities and aspirations that the racial majority have are significantly harder to get for the black people and these emotions “just sags” as a tough burden (Hughes, 1951). The comparison of lost opportunities to “a heavy load” demonstrates the inner feeling of the oppressed people who no longer see sense in fighting and feel an emptiness inside (Hughes, 1951). Those challenges that, in the perfect world, they would not have to face are depicted in the poem and give an insight into the actual occasions in African – Americans’ inner feelings.
The general theme of the poem is the discussion of the goals and objectives. Although throughout the literary work, the author only asks the questions and makes assumptions about what could become with the aspirations, it stimulates to think about the outcomes. In the beginning, Hughes raises the critical question of the whole poem “What happens to a dream deferred?” (1951). Eventually, it represents an issue of how unrealized dreams affect the person, what are the costs of fear and hesitations “or does it explode?” (Hughes, 1951). Refusing to stick to the goals may cause more damage to the person than the struggles they have to overcome achieving them.
Eventually, it refers to the emotional state and psychological well-being of the people who have hardships with keeping an interest in the objective or even wholly rejecting the idea of fighting for it. The end author supposes what happens to the deferred dream “Or does it explode?” (Hughes, 1951). While when “it stinks like rotten meat” creates a sense of disappointment, the explosion is instead associated with anger (Hughes, 1951). The energy inevitably transfers when an individual ignores their desire and regularly can result in an unpleasant experience, anger, and melancholy.
In Harlem, Hughes speaks on behalf of those who struggle to maintain their place in the world and overcome different situations to get what they deserve. He discusses what could happen if people stopped fighting to achieve their aspirations and accepted their position as it is. “Does it stink like rotten meat?” refers to the anticipation of something pleasant and desirable but already spoiled because an individual waited too long to get it (Hughes, 1951). Another comparison with food, “Or crust and sugar over—like a syrupy sweet?” gives a perception that could have given a sense of fulfillment, but instead, the pleasant emotions bring nothing except disappointment (Hughes, 1951). They can be referred to as black people who might get tired and desperate of the constant fight for their rights and equal opportunities.
It is also connected with the classical concept of the American dream. The definition of the term may vary, but generally, it implies the ability to use the opportunities, move towards a bright future, take a risk and build a great life. Usually, it includes having a household, family, children, and decent wage to provide the loved ones with all the necessary goods. The line “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” symbolizes missed opportunities (Hughes, 1951). It also signals that the best time to take action is now because it may “fester like a sore” at the end (Hughes, 1951). In the poem, the author seems to be trying to inspire the minority to continue pursuing their dreams and, despite all the difficulties that might come on the way, keep working. He sends a message that although it is hard, still possible, and they deserve to get what they want to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
In conclusion, through all the thoughts and discussion, Hughes portrayed how the lack of goal realization impacts psychological health, social equality, and self-fulfillment. Specifically, the author refers to the African – Americans, whose struggles reflect his battles with society. Otherwise, a dream of a beautiful opportunity for a promising future can turn into regrets and sorrow, which are hard to escape from if not follow the aspirations.
Reference
Hughes, L. (1951). Harlem.