Langston Hughes 'Poem' I, Too

The poem “I, too” by Langston Hughes was published in 1926. At the time of the writing, America had abolished slavery but the idea of black people in the United State being equal to the white people was quite a bit away. In “I, too”, Hughes illustrates the concept of an oppressed people pushed off to the side but growing stronger. The tomorrow of the poem is indicative of the time when those people will come out to the light as strong, proud and equal to those who act as oppressors. To be more specific, the poem is about black America and how, though they have been pushed aside, they will grow strong, proud and get their place at the table. The author uses imagery, symbolism, setting and tone to illustrate the very real idea that the blacks in America may have been pushed aside but would not be pushed aside for long.
In the second line, he created the image of the “darker brother” (Hughes, 2017, Line 2). This is the Black Everyman in America. This Everyman is sent to the kitchen to eat but, instead of being discouraged, he eats and grows strong. The act of sending him to the kitchen is symbol of white America oppressing black America. By not being allowed a seat at the table, there is no equality. The act of eating is the act of growing strength. Lastly in line nine, the image of the table,"I'll be at the table" (Hughes, 2017, Line 9) represents equality and being as proud and dignified as they are in their