Whitman, Hughes, and the American Dream

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Themes
Literary Devices
Structure
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The ideological impact of the American Dream is enormous and unpredictable. The concept can evoke many diverse emotions, especially in creative people such as poets. Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes, two prominent figures of American poetry of the past, are of them. “I Hear America Singing,” “I, Too,” “Harlem,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” are the emotional responses to the American Dream and societal processes relevant to those times. This work will analyze these 4 four poems representing the two sides of the United States (US) society, those who are already part of the American Dream and those who want to become one.

Themes

Whitman writes about rapidly growing and developing America in his work. Every person the author mentions goes toward their dream that “belongs to him or her and none else” through hard and honest work (Whitman). “I, Too” by Hughes is a belated response from the Black community, and it feels like a natural continuation of Whitman’s poem. Hughes further discusses the meaning of the American Dream for Black people in “Harlem.” He also thinks about his and their historical significance in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.”

Literary Devices

Whitman’s use of literary devices makes his work sound like the carol he mentions or any other religious song. It includes frequent anaphors as well as enjambment as the whole poem is one hefty sentence (Whitman). Hughes also reinforces his message with anaphors and resorts to repetition (“Harlem”). He uses the apostrophe in “I, Too” and “Harlem” to address Whitman, the people he represents, and the audience.

Structure

The first stanzas in Whitman’s poem have rhyme, but he then sacrifices it to give the audience a religious-like emotional effect. It is noteworthy that “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” is structurally similar to Whitman’s one. However, Hughes uses the usual ABAB rhyme scheme in “Harlem.” The poetic style in “I, Too” is also closer to the standard verse structure. Whereas Whitman uses long sentences that stretch over many stanzas, Hughes uses short phrases.

Conclusion

This work examines four poems, one by Whitman and three by Hughes. Poets discuss the American Dream and the place of their communities in US society. However, their points of view in terms of social belonging are radically different. Whitman speaks for those already socially accepted to belong to the American Dream, and Hughes represents the Black community that wants to be a part of it.

Works Cited

Hughes, Langston. “Harlem.” Poetry Foundation. Web.

Hughes, Langston. “I, Too.” Poetry Foundation. Web.

Hughes, Langston. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” Poetry Foundation. Web.

Whitman, Walt. “I Hear America Singing.” Poetry Foundation. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!

Whitman, Hughes, and the American Dream

Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?

We have qualified writers to help you.

We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.

You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)