Critical Analysis of Langston Hughes’ “I, Too” Essay

  • Category: Book
  • Words: 774
  • Published: 11.30.19
  • Views: 882
Download This Paper

Langston Hughes wrote the composition, “I, Too” in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of Black American history which in turn brought to mild unique landscapes of the world through the eyes of the people who were often subjugated and downtrodden. Issues of racial misjudgment were common during the Harlem Renaissance and segregation an undeniable fact of life. In the poem, “I, Also, ” Hughes brings attention to this subjugation by laying out the life of your black guy servant. He puts on his views of the treatment other people of his competition have long had to put up with through the outstanding use of meaning, irony and diction.

There are many examples of significance in the composition, “I, Too”. America is used as a sign to portray the principles of equal rights, diversity, and perseverance. By reminding viewers that the nation allowed and condoned segregation of his race, Hughes points out that although this was a form subjugation, it could be defeat. Even though America was at mistake, the country even now provided chances for those who will dare to try harder, to expand stronger, to enhance past the humiliation of being marked differently. America could still hold wish for people of any race.

As well, the word “I” in both the poem’s subject and through the entire verses, can be described as symbol. Barnes uses himself as the quintessential sort of his Dark-colored American historical past in a way that brings about the reader to take into account he, great race, happen to be perceived. In using the name, “I, Too”, Langston Hughes portrays himself as yet one more symbol of a portion of the American inhabitants. Repetitive use of the word “they” refers to his employers, who also are presumably White, and for that reason symbolize the rest of American contemporary society (Hughes, in Madden, web page #).

Their treatment of him, such as producing him take in in the kitchen, becomes the portrayal of the approach Black Americans, in general, happen to be treated. Through the use of these personal terms, Hughes has managed to employ symbolism in a way that as well connects him to others. Hughes also claims “I, as well, sing America” and here he is using irony, as such a specific thing is not really conceivable. The irony is the fact he good remarks America as well as values while at the same time drawing attention to the way he is seen as for some reason inferior to others because of the color of his pores and skin. The finishing lines, such as the term “they’ll…be ashamed” are also satrical (Hughes, in Madden, page #).

The poem was written to highlight the fact that Black People in america have been cared for as a thing to be ashamed of and Barnes denounces this fact, creating irony by stating the obvious. This usage of irony portrays Hughes’ condemnation of certain aspects of contemporary society. The easy diction of the poem belies it is deeper meaning. Through the use of straightforward vocabulary and rather uncommon syntax, Barnes delivers an excellent message in a manner that even a informal reader can understand.

Brief phrases conveniently roll in the tongue while breaking some of them up in to odd lines makes the reader think about their very own meaning within a different, yet directed, way. By adding destroys between this sort of passages because “tomorrow” and “I’ll be at the table”, Hughes artistically draws attention to the fact that he, wonderful race, will probably be stronger, and richer, and even more respected if the White persons of America least anticipate it (Hughes, in Madden, page #). In this way, as well, does Hughes bring the anxious of the composition from present to future. Barnes is good at using diction to define the tone and deepen the comprehension of underlying styles in his poems.

Langston Hughes’ reputation because an important poet and creator was based on works such as “I, Too” which express a outstanding issue in straightforward terms. By simply analyzing the usage of symbolism, paradox, and the diction Hughes engages, the more crucial, underlying, ideas come to light. Barnes does this by reiterating the primary pride and love he retains intended for the country of America whilst subtly pointing out the way Dark Americans are treated while hypocritical and unfair.

America is a terrain founded on liberties, and equal rights, diversity, and perseverance are definitely the qualities that may allow most citizens, no matter skin color, to reach their goals and recognize their dreams.

Need writing help?

We can write an essay on your own custom topics!