Introduction
The ideological impact of the American Dream is enormous and unpredictable. The concept can evoke many diverse emotions, especially in creative people such as poets. Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes, two prominent figures of American poetry of the past, are of them. “I Hear America Singing,” “I, Too,” “Harlem,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” are the emotional responses to the American Dream and societal processes relevant to those times. This work will analyze these 4 four poems representing the two sides of the United States (US) society, those who are already part of the American Dream and those who want to become one.
Themes
Whitman writes about rapidly growing and developing America in his work. Every person the author mentions goes toward their dream that “belongs to him or her and none else” through hard and honest work (Whitman). “I, Too” by Hughes is a belated response from the Black community, and it feels like a natural continuation of Whitman’s poem. Hughes further discusses the meaning of the American Dream for Black people in “Harlem.” He also thinks about his and their historical significance in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.”
Literary Devices
Whitman’s use of literary devices makes his work sound like the carol he mentions or any other religious song. It includes frequent anaphors as well as enjambment as the whole poem is one hefty sentence (Whitman). Hughes also reinforces his message with anaphors and resorts to repetition (“Harlem”). He uses the apostrophe in “I, Too” and “Harlem” to address Whitman, the people he represents, and the audience.
Structure
The first stanzas in Whitman’s poem have rhyme, but he then sacrifices it to give the audience a religious-like emotional effect. It is noteworthy that “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” is structurally similar to Whitman’s one. However, Hughes uses the usual ABAB rhyme scheme in “Harlem.” The poetic style in “I, Too” is also closer to the standard verse structure. Whereas Whitman uses long sentences that stretch over many stanzas, Hughes uses short phrases.
Conclusion
This work examines four poems, one by Whitman and three by Hughes. Poets discuss the American Dream and the place of their communities in US society. However, their points of view in terms of social belonging are radically different. Whitman speaks for those already socially accepted to belong to the American Dream, and Hughes represents the Black community that wants to be a part of it.
Works Cited
Hughes, Langston. “Harlem.” Poetry Foundation. Web.
Hughes, Langston. “I, Too.” Poetry Foundation. Web.
Hughes, Langston. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” Poetry Foundation. Web.
Whitman, Walt. “I Hear America Singing.” Poetry Foundation. Web.