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Poem Review
Read the poem Harlem by Langston Hughes and answer the following questions:
- Define deferred, use a dictionary if needed.
Deferred in law means judgement being postponed so that the state of affairs of the accused can be further evaluated. Deferred can in other terms means to suspend or to adjourn.
- What five things does he compare a dream deferred to?
The poet compares a dream deferred to a dried grape that has been left in the sun. Secondly, to a sore that is not taken care, it is open thus infected and now discharging. The poet compares the dream to meat that is decomposing and producing a foul smell, he also compares it to confectionery that has been abandoned, and now it is overly sweet and of undefined shape. Lastly, he compares a dream deferred to a big cargo that is curving down because it is heavy.
- Why do you believe he used those items in #2 as comparisons?
The poet uses the items in question 2 to elaborate on the impacts of abandonment. Also, to give a sense of realization to the readers.
- What dream do you think he might be referring to?
The dream refers to the people of Harlem who have bent low and are suffering from oppression and slavery.
- Why do you believe he titled the poem “Harlem”?
At the time, the poem was written, Harlem was a haven for African American families who were discriminated in other parts of the country. The poem was written after the New York locality that became the central point of Harlem reawakening through art and music that had occurred in the earlier years of the 1910s.
- What year was the poem written? Why is that significant?
The poem was written and published in 1951. It was relevant and related to the events that were occurring at that particular time. That is it talks about the dream of African America that is somewhat lean.
- Do you feel the poem is optimistic about the future? Why/why not?
I feel the poem is optimistic about the future. The poem analyzes situations using five questions and in the end, foretell what might happen. That explodes. It prepares the people for what might become of the future.