Langston Hughes I Hear New York, Too

Hughes makes the comparison between African heritage and rivers to try to convey how African heritage is not just something new; it has grown and evolved for many years, seen changes throughout history, and yet remains just like the oldest rivers.

“My soul has grown deep like the rivers.” emphasizes the point previously made: African heritage has now been around for so long that it’s roots are deep and has carved itself into everyday life through time.

Both “Harlem, I hear you” and “I hear New York, too.” are examples of apostrophe as Hughes addresses them both as if they were actual people.

Hughes tone in the first poem is more uplifting and proud. He delivers this through anaphora as well as imagery, which both shape the poem. In his