Langston Hughes’ As I Grew Older

Category: Books, Poetry, Racism
Last Updated: 19 Apr 2023
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In “As I Grew Older,” Langston Hughes describes the battle and perseverance for African-American’s freedom though numerous metaphors. In the title and first stanza, Hughes compares his dream to a child growing older. A child is born into the bright sun with the mindset with anything is possible. But as the child grows older, they face obstacles. Hughes also refers to his goals as “my dream,” which was different from the White-American's dream, expressing how personal this dream is. In the second stanza Hughes introduces the wall, his obstacles and racial separation itself.

He uses commas to further elongate the seemingly never-ending process of the wall growing. With each line, Hughes is pressed to the side of the page, as if this wall is physically straining him from writing. The wall seems to grow and grow forever, until it finally touches the sky. With the wall blocking the bright light, Hughes’ dream is in the dark. Replaced by a shadow, Hughes declares: I am black. This simple statement not only refers to Hughes’ situation in the poems context but also his being African-American.

A shadow of racism soon covers the country. Through the first four stanzas the attitude of the speaker is sad and hurt. The tone of the poem suddenly changes from being passive to active. Hughes urges his “dark hands,” his culture and people, to “break thorough the wall! ” and help him “break this shadow / into a thousand lights of sun! ” The "dark hands" can also be a reference to slavery. Hughes believes that although there have been dark times, they can break down the wall of segregation to let in the lights of equality.

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Hughes' use of the sun as the goal expresses how far away the dream is yet how great an accomplishment this would be. This poem is a direct metaphor for Hughes' life and struggle with racism directed towards African-Americans. His own childhood scarred, Hughes hopes to break down this wall of the dominating White America. With the support of the African-American community, Hughes believes that they can overcome racism and segregation for equal rights. Hughes, Langston. "As I Grew Older. "

Related Questions

on Langston Hughes’ As I Grew Older

What is the meaning of the poem As I Grew Older?
The poem As I Grew Older by Langston Hughes is a reflection on the struggles of growing up and facing racism. It speaks to the idea of being held back by society and the need to break through the barriers of oppression. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
What is the central theme of As I Grew Older?
The central theme of As I Grew Older is the struggle for freedom and equality. The poem follows the narrator's journey from childhood to adulthood, and the obstacles they face in their pursuit of freedom and equality. The poem ultimately ends with the narrator's hope that one day they will be able to break through the wall of oppression and achieve their goals.
What poetic device is used in As I Grew Older?
The poem As I Grew Older by Langston Hughes uses the poetic device of personification. Personification is used to describe the wall as having a face that is "darker than the night," and the stars as being "white as a dream."
When did Langston Hughes write As I Grew Older?
Langston Hughes wrote the poem "As I Grew Older" in 1920. It was first published in The Crisis magazine in 1921 and later included in his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, in 1926.

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Langston Hughes’ As I Grew Older. (2018, Jan 19). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/langston-hughes-as-i-grew-older/

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