Whitman and Hughes’ “American Dream” Walt Whitman was the face of American poetry in the 1800’s; a trailblazer who influenced the work of many poets. Langston Hughes, however, was arguably the “Whitman” of his time (i.e. the “Harlem Renaissance”). Whitman and Hughes’ poems, “I Hear America Singing,” and, “I, Too,” respectively share a common motif: the “American Dream.” A dream in which all men, women, and children are capable of prospering and are recognized for who they are: Americans. Whitman describes the “singing” of many blue-collar workers, acknowledging their dream. Hughes shines a different light; he focuses on his “American Dream.” As previously stated, Whitman spotlights blue-collar or “working class” jobs as he understands that their work is the foundation of America: its backbone. In his poem, “I Hear America Singing,” he hears “...the varied carols [of mechanics, carpenters, masons, boatmen, deckhands, shoemakers, hatters, wood-cutters, and ploughboys]” (line 1-8). Whitman is a notable poet and he’s aware of his influence. By giving these blue-collar laborers recognition, his audience will also hear the “songs” of the working class and acknowledge their “American Dream.” …show more content…
His poem, “I, Too,” speaks to his experience with racism and how his “American Dream” is to be seen as an American, not a second-class citizen. “Tomorrow” (line 8) shows he’s hopeful about his dream. Further it reads, “I’ll be at the table when company comes… they’ll see how beautiful I am… “I, too, am America,” (lines 9-10, 16, and 18). Whitman wrote from outside a metaphorical “glass box” looking into it. Hughes, however, wrote from within the glass box and told his story. In addition, Hughes’ writing spoke to more than just other African Americans as he “[used] languages… themes, attitudes and ideas familiar to anyone who [could] read,” (Historical Background). His writing inspired others like him to strive for their “American