What Symbolic Elements Do You Find in the Poem of Langston Hughes

Answer

What is symbolism? What symbolic elements do you find in Langston Hughes’s poem?

Symbolism is the use of words or images to symbolize specific concepts, people, objects, or events. Langston Hughes (1901-1967) uses symbolism extensively in his poetry to convey African Americans’ struggles, hopes, and identities. His symbols often reflect broader themes of racial oppression, resilience, and the quest for equality. Here are some symbolic elements found in Hughes’s poetry.

The Kitchen in “I, Too”: In the poem “I, Too” (1926), the kitchen symbolizes racial segregation and the marginalization of African Americans. The speaker is sent to the kitchen when the company comes. The poet says:

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

These lines represent how Black people were often excluded from mainstream society. However, the speaker’s strength and hope for the future show his belief in change. He imagines being “at the table,” symbolizing the fight for equality and ending racial barriers.

Deferred Dreams in “Harlem”: In “Harlem” (1951), Hughes uses various symbols to explore the idea of deferred dreams. He asks whether a dream deferred 

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or

………..sags

like a heavy load.

These symbols reflect the frustration and decay that come from unfulfilled aspirations. The final question, “Or does it explode?” symbolizes the potential for social unrest and violence if these dreams are denied. The poem uses these symbols to capture the consequences of systemic racism on the aspirations of African Americans.

The Rivers: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (1921) uses rivers as a powerful symbol of the enduring strength and resilience of African Americans. The rivers mentioned in the poem—the Euphrates, the Congo, the Nile, and the Mississippi—symbolize Black culture and heritage’s deep and ancient roots. The poet says: 

I’ve known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.

By tracing African Americans’ history back to these ancient rivers, Hughes emphasizes the depth and continuity of their identity. The rivers also symbolize the flow of time and the connection between past, present, and future generations.

The Blues in “The Weary Blues”: In “The Weary Blues” (1926), the blues music symbolizes the emotional expression of African Americans dealing with pain and suffering. The blues is more than just a musical form. It represents the collective sorrow, resilience, and hope of Black people. The musician’s song symbolizes the struggles faced by African Americans and their ability to find solace and strength through art. 

He played that sad raggy tune like a musical fool.

The poem captures the symbolic significance of the blues as both a reflection of hardship and a source of comfort.

In termination, Langston Hughes’s symbolism adds depth and complexity to his poetry. It allows him to convey powerful messages about the African American experience. Through symbols like the kitchen, deferred dreams, rivers, and the blues, Hughes explores themes of racial oppression, resilience, and hope. Hughes’s mastery of symbolism helps to make his poetry both impactful and enduring.