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QUESTION
Read “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes.
Here is the link: https://poets.org/poem/let-
For whom is the speaker speaking? What is he saying about himself? Black America? How does he view the American Dream? Does his attitude change in the poem? Explain? (This poem is not in your book.)
ANSWER
“Let America be America Again” by Langston Hughes
“Let America be America Again” by Langston Hughes is a powerful and statement evocative poem concerning the experiences of African Americans in the United States of America. The speaker’s poetic words vividly depict the American dream gone wrong and how the people’s hope remains for a better America. In the poem, Hughes subjects his message to African Americans and all other Americans pleading for the return of values of freedom and equality in the American society where the country was initially established. Hence, through imagery and rhetorical questions in the poem, Hughes effectively conveys a sense of longing for the America that initially existed and also portrays the deep frustration with the state of African Americans in the current society. Ultimately, Hughes does not give in to a renewed commitment to his idea of having justice for all.
The poem’s title, “Let American be America Again”, portrays the idea of returning to the American society experienced in the past, which exercised freedom and justice for every citizen. Hughes also conveys his message to African Americans and others, pleading for returning the values of freedom and equality where the country was initially founded (Hughes, 1966). Through imagery and rhetorical questions, Hughes can also convey his sense of continuous anticipation among the American people and their frustration with the current society that does not exercise freedom and equality. Therefore, the powerful message portrayed by the poem expresses the hope that remains among the people for having a better American society and an acknowledgement of their struggles and ongoing injustices faced by African Americans in the current society.
This poem conveys the message to both American and African Americans. The context of the message acknowledges the deep sense of frustration upheld with anger at the state of African Americans in the current society. The poem’s speaker illustrates the oppression and injustices faced by blacks throughout their existence and today’s injustices in America. Hughes also applied imagery such as “race of men” and “masters of the house” that portray the despair and powerlessness encountered by African American in the face of continued inequalities and discrimination (Hughes, 1966). Hence, based on his words, there is a clear indication of the longing for American society to experience a past full of freedom and justice.
Nevertheless, Hughes does not give up on the American dream’s potential impact despite the poem’s frustration and anger. Furthermore, he calls for a renewed commitment to justice for all ideas. Equally, in his words, he conveyed a deep hope for the future with an improved society compared to present America. He thus portrayed how America can be restored to exhibit its past nature full of freedom and equality. In addition, he speaks of the dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and a future for all Americans without considering their race where they can live peacefully exercising their freedom and equality (Hughes, 1966). Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the powerful message concerning the experiences encountered by African Americans in the United States of America. Through imagery and rhetorical questions, it is clear that the poem’s message is meant for the people who have been denied the pleasure of the American dream.
Moreover, the attitude of Hughes portrayed in the poem does not change throughout the context of his illustrations. Through his expression of the deep longing for an improved American society and the frustration portrayed with the state of the African Americans, Hughes does not give up on the potential nature of the American dream but also works towards having a renewed commitment to the idea of having justice for all. Therefore, his words convey a deep hope that the future society can be improved and that an American society exercises freedom and justice for everyone. The speaker’s attitude is also full of hope, disappointment and determination (Hughes, 1966). The speaker speaks about the promise of the American dream and the disappointment in America’s failure to deliver the American dream. However, despite the disappointment, the speaker also remains hopeful by telling the people that they must reclaim their American dream, which is a message of hope and a clear reminder of the collective action for real change.
In conclusion, Langston Hughes speaks to African Americans and all other Americans while conveying the longing for the American society that once existed, full of freedom and equality for everyone. The poem is a powerful exploration of the American dream and its complex relationship. Therefore, his words call for action for every individual denied access to the American dream to reclaim it and fight for their rights to have a better society characterized by freedom and justice for everyone. Hence, Hughes reminds everyone of the power of collective action to bring real change.
References
Hughes, L. (1966). Let America Be America Again. Présence Africaine, 59, 3-5.
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