Langston Hughes is one of the most outspoken and prominant figures in 20th century American literature. He is renowned for his portrayals of the African American experience during an era of great inequality and segregation. Throughout his writing, he encouraged readers to hold onto their dreams and aspirations, even in the face of adversity. He believed that hope was a powerful and necessary tool; essential for the success of not only individuals but communities as a whole. In "I, Too," Hughes illustrates a picture of hope through confidence in his own worth and his belief that one day he will be recognized as an equal. Hughes proclaims himself, "the darker brother” he is relegated to the kitchen “When company comes”. Rather than feeling defeated, he asserts his right to be treated equally and looks towards the future with optimism: “But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.” despite the …show more content…
After years of hoping for a better future, Hughes is disillusioned with the idea of democracy and its promise of equality. He states, "Democracy will not come, Today, this year, Nor ever, Through compromise and fear." Hughes does not believe that equality is achievable through the traditional means of compromise and negotiation. He has grown weary of waiting for the situation of his people to improve: “I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day.” Hughes is near a point of hopelessness, even after many decades worth of struggle the situation of African Americans has not improved. Hughes yearns for his freedom at this very moment, as it won’t be of any use to him once he dies; “I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.” Despite all this, he makes one final plea and indicates that a small glimmer of hope does in fact still exist: “ Freedom, Is a strong seed, Planted, In a great need. I live here, too. I want freedom, Just as