Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem” (“A Dream Deferred”) explores the consequences of postponed dreams, mainly about the African American experience. Throughout the poem, we are asked a couple of powerful rhetorical questions. Those questions ask us . . . what truly happens when dreams are delayed? Mr. Hughes uses imagery, symbolism, and metaphoric wording to illustrate an emotional and social toll on the average human being when aspirations and personal endeavors become deferred or put on the “back burner.”
Two of the literary devices in the poem that stood out the most is the use of its imagery along with simile. Langston asks if a deferred dream “dries up like a raisin in the sun” or “festers like a sore.” These comparisons created a wasting feeling of pain, declination, and continual frustration. Symbolism also plays a key role. The “raisin in the sun” represents a dream that was at one point full of potential . . . yet however has later withered due to abandonment. The use of these literary devices truly gives the human mind insight on what may metaphorically happen to a dream that is put on hold. This short yet mighty poem indirectly gives warning, a prediction, and even leaves way for a couple of thoughts. Its suggesting that deferred dreams may ultimately lead to . . . oops! I wouldn’t want to ruin it for you with my many intriguing conclusions.
I found this poem deeply impactful because it sheds light upon the setback of those whose dreams are constantly denied no matter what they do in only but 51 words. The expressive metaphors and questions asked, forces readers to reflect on the realities of life and its trials plus the negatives of stalled plans. It also gives the reader a chance to question if they have truly reached their full potentials or have lived out their true meaning in this life. Mr. Hughes seemingly communicates a sense of urgency to the reader, making the poem as relevant today as it was when it was first written decades ago! This poem has changed lives . . . mine included as it lives in my head rent free.
Overall, I would highly recommend “Harlem” (“A Dream Deferred”) to others! It’s a short yet powerful poem that can encourage you to take on a deeper reflection of the willingness and resilience of the human spirit. The authors ability to use simple language to tell extreme truths makes this work a big piece of literature for all. I hope it opens your eyes, as it has mine.
Read the poem! Read “Harlem” by Langston Hughes at the website of the Poetry Foundation, where you can also read more of Hughes’s writings. You can also check out Selected Poems of Langston Hughes from BMCC’s library.
About the author This review is by Dream R.
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