How does Walt Whitman's poem "I Hear America Singing" relate and differ from Langston Hughes's poem "I,Too."
PS: I need enough information to write an essay.PLEASE!!!!!
Have you read and reread both poems?
What similarities do YOU see? What differences do YOU see?
Please post your ideas, and we'll be glad to comment on them and add to them if necessary.
To understand how Walt Whitman's poem "I Hear America Singing" relates and differs from Langston Hughes's poem "I, Too," you can follow these steps:
1. Read both poems: Before analyzing and comparing the poems, it is crucial to read them thoroughly. Take note of the themes, language, structure, and the overall messages conveyed.
2. Analyze the themes: Start by identifying the main themes in each poem. "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman celebrates the diversity and collective spirit of American workers. It emphasizes the unity found in various occupations and portrays a positive image of American society. On the other hand, "I, Too" by Langston Hughes explores the themes of racial inequality and hope. It challenges the notion of exclusion and highlights the resilience and determination of African Americans.
3. Understand the tone and language used: Pay attention to the tone and language employed by each poet. Whitman's poem has a celebratory tone, using exuberant and optimistic language to praise the working class. Hughes's tone, in contrast, is more defiant and assertive, using concise and intense language to address racial discrimination.
4. Analyze the structure and literary devices: Consider the structure and literary devices employed by each poet. Whitman's poem follows a free verse structure, with constant repetition of the phrase "I hear America singing." His use of anaphora and cataloguing technique emphasizes the collective and inclusive spirit of America. Hughes's poem follows a more traditional structure, using a first-person perspective. He employs metaphors, vivid imagery, and strong symbolism to convey his message.
5. Compare and contrast: Now that you have analyzed both poems individually, you can proceed to compare and contrast them. Consider their themes, tones, language, structure, and literary devices. Some points to explore could include the different time periods in which the poems were written, the differing perspectives on American identity presented, the portrayal of race and inequality, and the messages conveyed about the future of America.
By following these steps, you should be able to gather enough information to write your essay, highlighting both the similarities and differences between these two influential poems. Remember to provide evidence from the poems to support your arguments. Good luck with your essay!