Text 2: “I, Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes
1 I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
5 But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
10 When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
15 Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
In "I, Too, Sing America," Langston Hughes expresses the experiences of being an African American in America. The speaker asserts their identity and belonging by proclaiming that they too sing America. However, they acknowledge being treated differently due to their darker skin, being sent to eat in the kitchen when company arrives.
Despite this segregation, the speaker remains resilient and finds joy in their circumstances. They laugh, eat well, and grow strong, refusing to be defined by societal prejudices. The speaker confidently declares their presence and importance by stating that they will be at the table when company comes, defying the expectations set for them.
In the future, the speaker predicts a shift in the dynamics of power and equality. They declare that nobody will dare assign them to the kitchen, indicating a time when racial discrimination and segregation will no longer be tolerated. The speaker projects a sense of pride and self-assuredness, confident that their worth and beauty will be undeniable to all.
In the final line, the speaker asserts their place in America, asserting that they too are America. This proclamation challenges the notion that America solely belongs to one race or group, emphasizing the inclusivity and diversity that should characterize the nation. Through this poem, Hughes highlights the struggle and resilience of African Americans while asserting their rightful claim to America.
"I, Too, Sing America" is a poem written by Langston Hughes. Here is a step-by-step analysis of the poem:
1. The speaker begins by asserting that they, too, sing America. This line suggests that the speaker is an integral part of America and wants to be recognized as such.
2. The speaker identifies themselves as the "darker brother," indicating that they are a person of color. This highlights the racial inequality and discrimination prevalent in society at that time.
3. The speaker mentions being sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. This refers to the segregated practice of African Americans being asked to eat separately from white guests, symbolizing the marginalization and exclusion they experience.
4. Despite being treated unfairly, the speaker maintains a positive attitude. They laugh, eat well, and grow strong, suggesting resilience and a refusal to let discrimination define them.
5. The speaker looks forward to a future where they will be seated at the table when company comes, implying equality and inclusion. This represents a desire for societal change and recognition of their worth.
6. The speaker believes that nobody will dare tell them to eat in the kitchen anymore. This anticipates a time when their voice and presence will be acknowledged, and they will have an equal place at the table.
7. The speaker asserts their beauty and suggests that once others recognize it, they will be ashamed of their past actions. This emphasizes the idea that all individuals, regardless of their race, should be seen as equal and deserving of respect and dignity.
8. The final line, "I, too, am America," reaffirms the speaker's identity and belonging in America. It challenges the notion that only certain individuals or groups can claim ownership over the country, advocating for inclusivity and equality.
Overall, "I, Too, Sing America" is a powerful poem that addresses the racial inequality and discrimination faced by African Americans in America. It highlights the speaker's resilience, hope for a better future, and determination to assert their rightful place in society.
Text 2 is the poem "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes. In this poem, the speaker expresses their pride in being an American, despite facing discrimination and being treated as a lesser individual. The speaker refers to themselves as the "darker brother," implying their African American heritage.
To analyze and understand this poem, one can start by examining the structure and content. This poem consists of three stanzas with varying line lengths. The first stanza emphasizes the speaker's assertion that they also have the right to sing about America, just like any other American. They acknowledge being marginalized and sent to the kitchen during social gatherings when company comes over.
In the second stanza, the speaker finds strength in their resilience and ability to laugh and eat well despite the discrimination they face. They emphasize their determination to overcome these challenges and assert their rightful place at the table when company comes next time.
The final stanza conveys the speaker's belief in the eventual recognition of their worth and beauty. They assert that when others truly see and appreciate their beauty, they will be ashamed of the previous discrimination. The speaker firmly claims their identity as an American, asserting that they are an integral part of the nation.
To further analyze this poem, one can delve into the historical context of racial discrimination in America, particularly during the time of Langston Hughes. Understanding the poet's background and his role in the Harlem Renaissance movement can also provide valuable insights.
It's important to note that poetry is open to interpretation, and readers may have different perspectives on the meaning and significance of this poem.