Langston Hughes uses imagery in his poem to demonstrate how one’s childhood innocence and liberty to dream gradually diminishes when they become aware of the harsh reality and are restricted by oppressing forces. The poet speaker evokes the light imagery of the “bright … sun” in the reader’s minds while juxtaposing it with the dark imagery of the “thick walls” rising slowly which temporarily conceals his dreams. The bright sun represents the african american’s early years of blissful ignorance and the tender age where he can dream freely. However, as the poem progresses, the thick walls exemplify the prejudice he is subjected to due to his black origin, hence acting as the barrier that prevents him from attaining his dream. The poet appeals