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Langston Hughes Harlem

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Langston Hughes’ Harlem is a timeless lyrical poem. It is designed to evoke emotion from the reader using Hughes lived experiences, wherein he conveys them with simplicity. Hughes’ role in the Harlem renaissance enabled him to write this poem; it is a poem that can be used as a primary source for how black enlightenment in Harlem came about. It also tells the story of what happens to an oppressed people who has their “dreams deferred.” The words make up the imagarey and the imagery makes up the symbolism meant to pierce the reader’s attention. The overall concept is utterly graspable, but the deeper meaning and imagery is most revealing in Harlem. Everything about this poem is meant as profound literary device to pierce the reader's attention. …show more content…

“Or does it explode?” is both a graspable image and it contains symbolic meaning: it spells the end and the beginning. The poem, obviously, given the title Harlem, pertains to the Harlem renaissance (the revitalization of ungentrified, black Harlem). Hughes’ intention is deeper, however. It reveals the true nature of the poem: to create a piercing effect. An explosion creates multiple consequences. An explosion creates a ringing, piercing effect on the ears; moreover, it usually results shards of broken glass. Shards of broken glass can be used as a piercing agent/weapon. The assertion can be made, therefore, Hughes’ uses the figurative nature of the explosion, for which he places emphasis on it (thus the italics), to create both the end and the beginning. It is the end of the poem, literally; it is also represents the beginning of the Harlem renaissance. The words, the imagery, create more imagery, wherein it becomes the symbolic meaning: piercing. The Harlem renaissance is a cultural revolution wherein black Harlem dwellers used a newfound education and articulation (a revolution) to pierce their oppressors—or those who defer their dreams—and create a cultural renaissance. The image of the poem in its entirety, if you outline with a pen/pencil, creates a shard of broken

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