What is intonation? What are the functions of intonation? Intonation is the rise and fall in pitch level when we speak. It...Continue
Langston Hughes is an American poet, novelist, playwright, social activist and columnist. He is well known for his powerful and evocative poetry. His poetry’s central themes are dreams, hope, and the African-American experience. His literary works often investigate the complexities of life, the yearning for equality, and the pursuit of dreams despite societal challenges. Here, I have selected the top five poems about dreams by Langston Hughes.
Dreams
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly
The poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes (1901-1967) emphasizes the significance of dreams in life. It highlights that without dreams, life loses its good intentions and movement. It calls us to hold on to our dreams and keep striving to fulfil them.
I Dream a World
A world I dream where black or white
Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth
And every man is free.
The poem “I Dream a World” by Langston Hughes (1901-1967) imagines an ideal world. It shows that most people live in a dreamy world regardless of race or background. The poem portrays a dreamy world of equality in which all races of people in a society coexist freely.
Dream Variations
To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
The poem “Dream Variations” by Langston Hughes (1901-1967) celebrates the joy and freedom of dreams. It reflects a desire to break free from social constraints and enjoy life as one desires.
The Dream Keeper
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamers,
Bring me all of your
Heart melodies.
Langston Hughes’s (1901-1967) poem “The Dream Keeper acts as a guardian of dreams. It provokes people to preserve their dreams and aspirations. The poet requests his readers to protect their dreams and try to fulfil them.
Harlem
“Harlem” by Langston Hughes (199-1967) is a thought-provoking poem. It explores the consequences of deferred dreams. Throughout the poem, through the different imagery and rhetorical questions, the poet reflects the various possible outcomes of unfulfilled aspirations. The poem questions whether deferred dreams lead to frustrations, motionlessness, and decay. Hughes uses powerful metaphors to describe the potential emotional and psychological impact of unattained dreams. It invites readers to consider the multifaceted nature of deferred desires and the potential consequences they can bring.