Let America Be America Again By Langston Hughes
The American Dream
The American dream is the idea held by many in the United States of America that through hard work, courage and determination one can achieve prosperity. These were values held by early settlers, and have been passed on to following generations. What the American dream has become is a question under constant discussion. What is the American dream? Many authors, poets and photographers have tried their hand at depicting their idea or the concept of the American dream. Langston Hughes, one of the many distinguished poets in the United States has written a number of poems reflecting the African American way of life and how it coincides with the American Dream. Matthew Warshauer, a professor of History at Central Connecticut …show more content…
His literary works helped shape American literature and politics. Through his poetry, novels, plays, essays, and children's books, he promoted equality, condemned racism and injustice, and celebrated African American culture, humor, and spirituality. In his poem “Let America Be America Again,” Hughes speaks what he and other African Americans believed to be the truth about America. He …show more content…
During this time some African Americans were still seen and used as slaves. They were segregated from the white communities and looked down on for their actions. This is why Langston Hughes questions the word “free.” He, as well as many other African Americans, do not believe and know they are not free. Although the law abolished slavery through the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, the actions of Americans and the government during these times made it difficult to believe any African American was indeed “free.” They were turned down from jobs because of their race, and the jobs they were able to find were hard labor for little pay. No matter how hard or difficult the obstacles became, they never let their guard down and continued to strive for the American dream no matter how impossible or distant it seemed. In Hughes closing statement he wrote, “O, yes, I say it plain, America never was America to me, And yet I swear this oath-- America will be!
In his closing statement Hughes tone has changed from the start of his poem. Now, in this last verse, his tone is hopeful. He points out how he is aware America never was what it was cut out to be, but he still has hope for this country. In another one of Langston Hughes’ poems, Harlem, a shorter more heart felt piece, he wrote, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry
The American dream is the idea held by many in the United States of America that through hard work, courage and determination one can achieve prosperity. These were values held by early settlers, and have been passed on to following generations. What the American dream has become is a question under constant discussion. What is the American dream? Many authors, poets and photographers have tried their hand at depicting their idea or the concept of the American dream. Langston Hughes, one of the many distinguished poets in the United States has written a number of poems reflecting the African American way of life and how it coincides with the American Dream. Matthew Warshauer, a professor of History at Central Connecticut …show more content…
His literary works helped shape American literature and politics. Through his poetry, novels, plays, essays, and children's books, he promoted equality, condemned racism and injustice, and celebrated African American culture, humor, and spirituality. In his poem “Let America Be America Again,” Hughes speaks what he and other African Americans believed to be the truth about America. He …show more content…
During this time some African Americans were still seen and used as slaves. They were segregated from the white communities and looked down on for their actions. This is why Langston Hughes questions the word “free.” He, as well as many other African Americans, do not believe and know they are not free. Although the law abolished slavery through the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, the actions of Americans and the government during these times made it difficult to believe any African American was indeed “free.” They were turned down from jobs because of their race, and the jobs they were able to find were hard labor for little pay. No matter how hard or difficult the obstacles became, they never let their guard down and continued to strive for the American dream no matter how impossible or distant it seemed. In Hughes closing statement he wrote, “O, yes, I say it plain, America never was America to me, And yet I swear this oath-- America will be!
In his closing statement Hughes tone has changed from the start of his poem. Now, in this last verse, his tone is hopeful. He points out how he is aware America never was what it was cut out to be, but he still has hope for this country. In another one of Langston Hughes’ poems, Harlem, a shorter more heart felt piece, he wrote, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry