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I Too Sing America Comparative Essay

834 Words4 Pages

In the realm of American literature, Lorraine Hansberry’s "A Raisin in the Sun" and Langston Hughes’ "I, Too, Sing America" stand as iconic representations of African American experiences, portraying struggles, aspirations, and resilience. "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry portrays the aspirations and challenges of a black family in 1950s Chicago, while Langston Hughes’ poem "I, Too, Sing America" reflects on African Americans’s identity and their fight for equality. Through an examination of the themes of value, desire, and struggle, this paper will explore the similarities and differences between "A Raisin in the Sun" and "I, Too, Sing America," delving into how both texts illuminate the experiences of African Americans in different …show more content…

In Lorraine Hansberry’s "A Raisin in the Sun," Beneatha Younger’s determination to pursue medicine despite societal norms parallels the speaker’s desire for acknowledgment and acceptance in Langston Hughes’ poem. Beneatha’s aspiration to become a doctor symbolizes her quest for self-fulfillment and defiance of societal expectations. She articulates this desire when she passionately declares, "I want to be myself!" Hansberry, 1959, p. 125. This desire for personal agency and autonomy mirrors the speaker’s longing for acknowledgment and inclusion in Hughes’ poem. The line "They'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed—I, too, am America'' expresses the speaker’s yearning for recognition and acceptance despite facing marginalization (Hughes, 1994). Both texts employ literary techniques to convey the intensity of these desires. In "A Raisin in the Sun," Hansberry utilizes dialogue and characterization to depict Beneatha’s unwavering determination, while Hughes employs repetition and vivid imagery in his poem to amplify the speaker’s insistence on claiming their rightful place in society. The exploration of desire not only shapes the characters’ actions, but also contributes to the thematic development of each work, underscoring the enduring struggle for agency and equality within the African American

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