The Review of Langston Hughes' Harlem
By Saheed Sunday
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
To understand Langston Hughes’ poem Harlem is to first understand the history behind it. What are the crutches upon which the poem stands? What is the background? In essence, what does Harlem itself mean? And how did it come about? Each of these questions plunges readers into considerations that will give a clearer viewpoint toward the interpretation of the poem, at least beyond its surface meaning. In effect, therefore, this poem is going to attempt the analysis of Langston Hughes’ Harlem from the standpoint of its background history.
To start with, in the history of American Literature, there used to exist a time when — like the very presence of the black race itself — works produced by African American writers were not recognized at all. Some historians even believe there was no room for their production or publication in the first place. This is until the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance. It is the period that saw the rise of African American artists, poets, novelists, playwrights, and others. However, the issue these people faced was with acknowledgment, because although the blacks were given the freedom to display their intellect and creativity, they still were not considered beyond their community. But it is worthy of note to say that the community harbored a dream to be exposed to the world and not just themselves; this is what fueled the poem Harlem by Hughes.
In furtherance, it is essential to mention that Langston Hughes is bothered by what would happen to the dream of him and the rest of the millions of black creatives to be acknowledged in the world if they keep getting suppressed because of their skin color. Thus, the reason why the first line of the poem begins with the question “what happens to a dream deferred?” Through this question, he is able to incite inquiries from the depths of the readers, leaving them to wonder about something they are already aware of; that a deferred dream only fuels hopelessness. However, his next question opens the box of answers, allowing the readers to see the various possibilities of a dream deferred.
So to speak, the line “does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” is a reflection of wonder. That is, will the dream of the African American literati to be acknowledged by the world simply “dry up like a raisin in the sun”? Will they sit and watch their dream burn away without having the power to do anything as regards it?
The second question, however, paints a rather grotesque picture. It foregrounds a vivid image of the feeling of disgust harbored by Hughes towards the situation. This motif of disgust extends through the next questions across the line. Therein, Hughes wonders if their deferred dream is similar to that of a sore. But as regards this sore, he opens up two options. One, whether the state of the deferment of their dream is only going to get worse like “rotten meat”. Two, whether the people will later relax along the line and get used to and comfortable with not being treated as equals, finding the deferment (with time) as lovely as a syrupy sweet.
Furthermore, Hughes plunges into another yet thought-provoking question, asking whether a deferred dream sags like a heavy load. In this line, the logical interpretation of Hughes’ intention can be that he understands that the human resolve is not eternal when faced with hopelessness. It will crash to that heavy weight. And the African American literati too are humans, carrying the same dream their forefathers too once bore. It won't be long before their deferred dream sags across them like a heavy load.
What is more, Hughes deals a finishing blow to the poem with his last question. From the viewpoint of the background of the poem, one can allude to the fact that this is most likely the stance with which he identifies. Thus, Hughes believes that the tolerance of African Americans cannot go on forever. If their dream keeps on getting barricaded, their responses will be an explosion in the form of retaliation.
Finally, Langston Hughes’ poem Harlem is an exploration of all the possibilities to a deferred dream? Thus, in the poet’s opinion, there is more than one answer to what can happen “to a dream deferred”. It can burn away from the dreamers with time; turn into an oozing sore they will have to watch get worse or accept; sag their shoulders, or explode.
