Harlem : Literary devices

Harlem is a notable literary work by Langston Hughes. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Harlem.

    

        

        
Literary devices
       
Symbols
Dream : Hughes uses the symbol of a “dream” that is deferred (বিলম্বিত করা). In this poem, he talks about the danger when the dream of racial equality is continuously delayed. He asks,
“What happens to a dream deferred?”
He asks: “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” The raisin, sore, rotten meat, and heavy load are all symbols of what happens when dreams are delayed to be fulfilled. In the end, the poet says that when a dream is delayed, it can explode.
“Or does it explode?”
It means it can cause an uprising or revolution. So, in this poem, “dream” symbolizes justice and equality.
Figures of Speech
Rhetorical Question
A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a question is asked for a reason other than to get an answer.
Example: “What happens to a dream deferred?”
This question makes readers think deeply. It asks what happens when a dream is delayed or not fulfilled, but it does not expect an answer.
Simile
A simile compares two different things using like or as.
Example: “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
Here, the poet compares a postponed dream to a raisin drying in the sun. It means that if dreams are delayed for too long, they lose their freshness and energy, just like a grape becomes dry and lifeless.
Anaphora
Anaphora means repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of several lines or sentences.
Example: “Does it…?”
The phrase “Does it” is repeated at the start of many lines. This repetition creates rhythm and emphasizes the poet’s question about what happens to unfulfilled dreams.