"I, Too" Analysis

"I, Too” Analysis A Renaissance man is defined as someone with a wide-range intellect. Langston Hughes was such a man. He was a popular writer of literature during what was known as the Harlem Renaissance. It was a movement during the 1920's which consisted of African American artists that celebrated black life and its culture in a neighborhood in Harlem, New York City. Although he had been privileged at that time in history to become a graduate of college, he was still made aware of his skin color and what that meant. He wrote about such things in his poetry, referring to his character as the darker brother or using slang he heard in his neighborhood. He was a prolific writer of many genres, but was indubitable known as a poet. He was criticized by both black and white audiences for his betrayal of "black life", and what its effect would have on both cultures. In the poem, "I, Too", he writes about perserverance through hardship, and the act of staying strong which is powerful reading for anyone going through difficult times. In the poem "I, Too", the character relays that he, the darker brother, is sent to the kitchen when company comes and he must eat there. This shows that he is being shunned away, and segregated meaning to isolate or separate them from others, which was consequently done up until the 1960's. This poem was written in 1923 and slavery had long since been abolished, but it is possible the poem reflected an earlier time period. Although a specific time period is not mentioned this prose could still reflect a sense of racism in today's world. The man in the poem seems to be laughing it off knowing that people and things always change. He also eats well and becomes strong, biding his time as best as he can until those changes happen. In the beginning of this poem he use of "the darker brother" reflects an individual of color or an African American. The word "brother" refers to one who has the faith in Jesus Christ and believes we are all