April is National Poetry Month. I have decided to analyze a classic poem. It may not be one that is familiar to most since a lot of poems that are considered classics are written by non-whites. The poem by Langston Hughes is a classic to me. “I, Too, Sing America.” This poem was recited in “The Great Debaters”. I think this poem fits well with the current political change.
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed–
I, too, am America.
When I read this poem I think of the way Black Americans were treated throughout history in the United States. In the beginning of the poem it states “…I am the darker brother.They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes…” we were pushed to the side, beaten, and not listened to. We were to be submissive and to take the treatment of our oppressor.
The lines states “… But I laugh,And eat well,And grow strong”. In this line it shows the strength of Black Americans despite the poor treatment. It also suggest no matter what to prepare yourself because the day will come when you show your talents for all to see.
The next lines “Tomorrow,I’ll be at the table When company comes.Nobody’ll dare Say to me,”Eat in the kitchen,”Then”. These lines suggest that eventually Black Americans will be seen for whom they are. The traits and not the skin color. I also feel as if “Tomorrow” has come giving that we now have a Black American as president.
The last lines “Besides,They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed–
I, too, am America”. These lines suggest that the shame of American society when the attributes of Black Americans are displayed. It is embarrassing to our country to keep a group down that displays so many talents and many that advanced United States economically.
I feel with the past election this poem speaks volumes. It brought out America’s darkside, America’s shame, Slavery and Jim Crow south. The racism that keeps being swept under the rug and but will not go away. This poem told the future well before anyone thought it would happen.
Source:
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/langston_hughes/poems/16945
