I, Too by Langston Hughes Poem Analysis (Essay Example)

"I, too, sing America" (Hughes, line 1). In his poem I, Too, Langston Hughes envisions a more prominent America where individuals of all races can proudly identify as American citizens. I, too, was published in the 1920s, during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, which set the stage for the civil rights movement. The speaker of Hughes' poem I, Too is an individual of color who despises his prohibition from American culture despite being an indispensable piece of it. During this time, African Americans needed support to fight for their liberties, and this poem perfectly exemplifies that fortitude and soul. In I, Too, Langston Hughes employs sounds, diction, and imagery to rouse people's sluggish spirits and hope that people will embrace one another one day, proving that African Americans are truly delegated equal Americans. 

Through the subtle use of diction in the poem, I, too, the author, encourages African Americans while not offending white people. Words like black and white are frequently omitted for division, so the author decided not to include them in the poem. Instead, the speaker refers to African Americans as "darker" (Hughes, line 2) rather than black and alludes to Caucasian Americans as "they" (Hughes, line 3). Hughes employs these words to "inspire the dark brothers to value their dignity and identity" (Luo and Li). Furthermore, Hughes uses the word "dare" (Hughes, line 11) to show the reader that people are standing up to racism, and the word "then" reveals the "author's hope that African Americans will one day stand shoulder to shoulder with all Americans" (Kelly). These dictions demonstrate to the reader that African Americans need to be proud of who they are, and the tone of the poem gives them the confidence to make a difference.

I, too, 's confident and proud tone conveys to the reader how the speaker is not ashamed to be African American. "I am the darker brother" (Hughes, line 2), the author writes in line 2 of the poem, demonstrating "an acknowledgment of identity that African Americans have black skin" (Mutmainnah). This line conveys to the reader that the speaker is proud of his darker skin and hopes to inspire other African Americans to be proud of their darker skin as well. Furthermore, the speaker declares, "I'll be at that table" with all of his might (Hughes, line 9). This line demonstrates to the reader that the speaker recognizes his right to be at that table and will not tolerate any further injustices. The speaker does not state that he hopes or wishes to be at that table, only that he will be there because it is his right. "No one will dare" to tell him to go to the kitchen (Hughes, line 11). That phrase embodies self-respect, and only someone who is extremely self-assured would dare someone to question their position in life. Then there is a flash-forward to a time when he says, "They'll see how beautiful I am," and they'll be ashamed of themselves (Hughes, line 16). The reader can see from this line that the speaker is not giving up and believes that everything will change for African Americans one day and that they will be given equal opportunities in America. Hughes chose to use his powerful poetic voice to lift people's spirits and move our country closer to equality, which begins with self-respect.

In the poem, symbolic references demonstrate how self-respect can significantly impact. "I am the darker brother," the speaker declares (Hughes, line 2). In this line, the protagonist encourages the African Americans to be proud of who they are, regardless of their skin color, and "achieve the same civil rights as white people" (Mutmainnah). The reader sees how the speaker refuses to be dismissed because he is the "darker brother," and he encourages other African Americans to be proud. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes his determination and how no amount of hatred will prevent them from achieving equality. The speaker declares in the second stanza, "But I laugh / And eat well / And grow strong" (Hughes, lines 5-7), that he will continue to feed his soul and grow strong until people recognize African Americans' beauty. This line "suggests that acquiring physical power to impose one may be the only way" for African Americans to rise (Kelly). The speaker tells the reader that equality will not be given to them and that African Americans must stand up for themselves for change to occur. Langston Hughes' intent throughout this poem was to encourage African Americans to strive for change and equality in the hope that one day, all Americans would come together.

The author envisioned a day when all Americans would embrace one another without prejudice. Hughes was known as the poet laureate of the black people for many years because he encouraged his fellow African Americans to use their talents and powerful voices to effect significant change (Foreman). The poem begins with "I, too, sing America," referencing the fact that African Americans are not treated as Americans (Hughes, line 1). In this line, the reader can see how the speaker is proclaiming his American citizenship while also referencing the national anthem, which represents unity and equality that the African community was not receiving (Mutmainnah). Hughes imagined a day when all Americans would come together, and he concludes the poem with the words, "I, too, am America" (Hughes, line 18). The speaker's intention with this line was to inform the reader that he would rise above and be just like his white brothers despite his struggles. Furthermore, the shift from "sing" to "am" shows how readers can imagine a future society in which African Americans are treated equally in all aspects of life. The transition from "sing" to "am" denotes a shift in the author's tone, from passive to demanding. Hughes' use of simplicity and repetition clarifies his message and demonstrates how African Americans will be delegated as equals. 

The poem I, too, depicts the heart of someone who realizes he is more than what the majority perceives him to be and will not always be oppressed. While the words in I too are essential in helping readers understand what the poet is saying, the rhythm of the words is also important. "I, Too, Sing America": Jazz and Blues Techniques and Effects in Some of Langston Hughes' Selected Poems" by Lionel Davidas explains how jazz and blues are incorporated into Hughes' poem. The African American community gave birth to jazz and blues, and Hughes' use of jazz and blues devices is appropriate for a piece that discusses African Americans' current situation and their roots (Davidas 267-268). The poem's flow represents a connection with the musical talents of African Americans in Harlem, which draws people to experience the richness of their culture. Hughes' use of repetitions, which is common in jazz music, helps the reader understand the message behind the text (Davidas 267). Anyone who has listened to jazz music, whether instrumental or vocal, has probably noticed that themes are frequently repeated in the music, albeit slightly altered with each repetition. The same notes, for example, maybe played in a higher key at times. The length of the lines in "I, too, sing America" is influenced by jazz and blues (Davidas 268). "I'll be at the table when company arrives tomorrow," for example. Nobody dares to tell me, "Eat in the kitchen." (Lines 8-14 of Hughes) Each of these lines has a different length. The lengths, however, are not significantly different. Hughes employs jazz and blues throughout his poem to provide the reader with an understanding of African American culture and encourage the reader to listen. The relaxation throughout the poem both relaxes the soul and stimulates the mind to listen.