Analysis Of Let America Be America Again By Langston Hughes

Throughout the poem, Hughes places contrasting phrases, similar to a paradox, alongside one another. With this technique, he hints at his hopes for a better America unlike the one that is currently taking place around him. Diction is used in the telling of the poem, to establish a dramatic element of dialogue that is felt at times when a different voice jumps in or proclamations are made.The poem begins with Hughes' statement “ Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be..” of letting America be the America it once was. Yet, points out that this version of America is nonexistent, rather has always been a place of slavery, poverty, oppression, lies, and “immigrant clutching the hope” they seek.
In the poem, Hughes demonstrates his ideas and examples by using abstract language. The usage of abstract language allows him to give words deeper meaning and transforms them; thus, this allows him to contextualize things and objects in a bigger meaning. For instance, the term “leeches” is used to demonstrate how political figures and upper-class members metaphorically “suck” cultures vale, meaning they take what was once sacred to one’s cultural
Maintaining the overall structure all four poems display, the poem I Hear America Singing, is a joyous reflection of the many working people in America. He delineates all sorts of people and their various jobs as carpenters, masons, boatmen, shoemaker, woodcutter, mothers, etc. Whitman presents happy nature in their station of life. He uses such optimistic and joyous words to describe them going about their days, such as "blithe", "carols", and "friendly". The entire poem is a celebration of the many different types of people that make up America and what America is, as well the joy and happiness they find within their daily