Analysis Of I Too By Langston Hughes

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The poems of Langston Hughes have been alluded to as the voice of African American troubles since the beginning of 20th century America. Poems filled with aspirations, beliefs, desires and perseverance of black America to be acknowledged for their parts in helping form this nation and be considered equivalent among their white counterparts. The poem, “I, Too” is one of the numerous works in Hughes’ archives that follows this trademark style which has brought him worldwide fame. Here, Hughes uses having supper at the dinner table as a symbol for being seen as equal in America. Langston addresses, “I, too, sing America” (Line 1). The assertion is not the exact message of Hughes singing a tune about America or reciting the national anthem. This …show more content…

These lines portray the strong desire of blacks to be seen as equivalents and take a legitimate seat at the “dinner table” of life. “Nobody’ll dare / Say to me / “Eat in the kitchen” (11-13). Hughes imagines the day when whites will no more have the bold courage to show prejudice and blacks will not be denied their places in a nation based only on the shading of their skin. At that point, with the shrug of the shoulders, Langston Hughes closes “Besides / They’ll see how beautiful I am / And be ashamed” (15-17). He is not alluding to his boyish appeal or slicked back hair when he talks about his charm. Langston utilizes these lines to show the desire that when all the chains of persecution are removed and the covers of prejudice and discrimination are lifted, people will perceive the magnificence of black society, art, music, and patriotism. He feels that this beauty will be extraordinary to the point that it will disgrace the individuals who mistreated them and make them ask why they have despised such a wonderful thing for so long. Hughes’ last line, “I, too, am America” (18) is implicated to the title and opening line which represents the dignity and self-esteem in African Americans to call themselves Americans. Despite the fact that they have not been broadened the accommodations of this

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