Dreams vs. A Dream Differed

Between World War II and the Great Depression, there was a cultural movement called the Harlem Renaissance. This movement gave the African-Americans hope that one day there would be equality. One of the most important leaders of this historical time period was Langston Hughes. He wrote many poems, novels, plays, and columns. Some of his works included “A Dream Deferred” and “Dreams.” The two poems are prime examples that can be compared and contrasted very easily. In “A Dream Deferred” and “Dreams”, there are multiple parts that can be compared between the two poems. The main comparison between these two works is their thematic content. Both poems demonstrate the importance of dreams and aspirations. They are both about the negative things that could happen when someone does not have dreams or even lose a dream that they once had including; struggling with a heavy load or having nothing to live for. Also, they are both extremely short poems compared to Hughes' other works. For example, “Dreams” is only eight lines long in totality and “A Dream Deferred” is only eleven lines long. Similarly, both poems contain an array of figurative language like: similes, metaphors, and personifications. Although both poems deal with the same issues, they both send very different messages to the reader. “A Dream Deferred” and “Dreams” also have several differences. "A Dream Deferred" is a poem who's main message is not to put dreams aside. It explains that if a dream is to be put aside it can never be achieved. As the poem asks, "Does a dream deferred stink like rotten meat, or crust and sugar over." By this section of the poem, the author is implying that a dream put aside dry's up and sugars over. Thus, meaning that if a person has dreams that they think they will never achieve, do not put them aside or they will never come true. On the other hand, the poem "Dreams" shows what happens if one does not hold onto their dreams. The poem says, "For if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird, that cannot fly." These lines show that a person needs dreams to live, and if they die, a person has nothing to live for. Also, “A Dream Deferred” is more cynical in the assertion of dreams. For example, if dreams are never realized they might manifest themselves in a literal or psychological explosion. Whereas, “Dreams” stresses the importance of dreams maintaining faith as they provide comfort, solace, and hope in the brutal world. Finally, the last difference between the poems is “A Dream Deferred” uses similes and “Dreams” uses more metaphors. In conclusion, both poems by Langston Hughes use symbolism, description, and figurative language. Both poems also deal with and send the same message on dreams. "A Dream Deferred," encourages one never to put dreams aside, where "Dreams" encourages one to hold on to dreams. The two poems differ in the use of similes and metaphors. Overall, the poems are wonderful examples of poems that can be compared and contrasted.