During the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement of the 1920s, many African American artists and authors emerged from their secret lives. Among those artists and authors is Langston Hughes. Hughes’ work is still very popular today. Two of Hughes’ most renowned poems are “I, Too” and “Dream Variations.” Both poems convey the central theme that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of his or her skin color. In “I, Too,” Hughes expresses how African Americans felt when being discriminated against. Hughes describes a situation in which a black man encounters racial inequality to convey this message. “I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.” (Hughes). By saying “But I laugh, And eat well,” Hughes gives off ironic humor. This phrase is ironic because one would think that the man would be upset that he could not be with the company, but he is rather optimistic because he knows that he too is American and he will be viewed equally one day. “Tomorrow, I’ll at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They’ll …show more content…
In the first stanza, Hughes displays the dream by using very descriptive actions. “To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening Beneath a tall tree While night comes on gently, Dark like me--- That is my dream!” (Hughes). Stanza one is very joyous and hopeful; however, stanza two is not. Stanza two depicts that the purpose for living had quite possibly diminished. “To my arms wide In the face of the sun, Dance! Whirl! Whirl! Till the quick day is done. Rest at pale evening… A tall, slim tree… Night coming tenderly Black like me.” (Hughes). Stanza two also shows that one day, the man will be able to live his dream in world full of