Never give up on what you really want to do" by H. Jackson Brown Jr. This idea is closely related to two poems: "Mother to Son" and 'Harlem". In the poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes the theme of the poem is to not put off your dreams.If you do nothing good can come of it. While in the; other poem “Mother To Son” by langston Hughes the theme is one must always persevere especially when life is difficult and presents its worst challenges. In both of the poems Langston Hughes uses figurative language to convey the theme but in “Harlem” he stresses the importance of not putting off your dreams. While in the other poem he talks about perseverance.
In the poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes the theme of the poem is to not put off your dreams. Hughes uses simile and imagery to convey the theme of deferred dreams. One example of figurative language is, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" Here, the dream is compared to a raisin, which has lost its moisture and shriveled up. This metaphor suggests that a deferred dream can become lifeless and unfulfilled if it is not pursued. Another example is, “Does it stink like rotten meat?” This use of imagery shows how a dream deferred simply rots into something that is no longer usable.
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Hughes uses the extended metaphor of a staircase to convey the theme of perseverance. For example,"Life for me ain't no crystal stair," and he goes on to describe a staircase with tacks, splinters, and boards torn up. This metaphor suggests that life is full of obstacles, but the important thing is to keep climbing the stairs and not give up. Another example is, “But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin'