Analysis Of I Too Sing America By Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes’ “I, Too Sing America” poem is an empowered speech of an enslaved black man in america. In this poem, Hughes insinuates the revolt of the slaves who will one day will be on the other side of the spectrum. The tone and imagery of this poem puts the reader in the perspective of the mental abuse and degradement African-Americans were put through during the times of slavery in the United States. Not only this, but it also shows the strength and determination African-Americans had and continues to have.
Hughes was the most prolific writer during the Harlem Renaissance, he was notorious for his portrayals of black life in America during the twenties through the sixties. Hughes’ incredible devotion for portraying black life was due
Whenever the slaves owners have guests over their households, the slaves are typically sent to the kitchen or somewhere the guests will not see them. They are rendered invisible, but this does not affect the speaker, “But I laugh,/And eat well,/ And grow strong.” (lines 5-7), a clear change in tone is seen in these lines. The speaker gains strength from his forced reclusivity. Not only strength, but the speaker also gain intelligence to prove that he is just the same as the rest of society. Subsequently, the speaker begins to talk about the future, one day the tables will turn. He will no longer hide in the kitchen when company comes, he will be seen as an equal. Once society has acknowledged the fact that African-Americans are equals, they will feel ashamed for the way they have been treating them. Hughes then ends the poem with “I, too, am America.” stating that he is also a part of American and deserves the same treatment as any other american.
Langston Hughes was a tremendous influence to African-Americans trying to gain respect from society. His literary works gave