Presented by XIAO Zilan I, too, sing America By Langston Hughes
1.Why did I choose this poem? &my understanding
Reason—Be Inspired The Great Debaters——a inspiring poem for the African Americans. Hope Ambitions Confidence Justice Fairness Racial equality
2.What the poem is about?
The Poem 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.
Analysis-- The title Allusion Walt Whitman, "I Hear America Singing" – The reference here is in the title of Hughes's poem. It's a reference and response: "I, too, sing America.’’ Metaphorical meaning America is like a song made up of many different voices singing. Here the author just adds another voice to this song of America – the voice of black Americans.—— Equality
Analysis-- The themes Racial equality Refuse to buckle the awful racial oppression→ a brighter future → recognize black Americans as equal as white Americans Freedom The big goal--Very confident (future tense) Looking forward to the day America fulfills her promise of freedom.
3.Why does it belong to Modernism?
1.Harlem renaissance 2.Symbolism well presented here in the poem
Symbolism Kitchen & domesticate kitchen—home—domestic—domesticate (slavery-and-oppression-related metaphors) Health&hope eat —nourishment Literally, feed your body the nutrients--growth poetically, nurture your soul with edu-- achievement
Thank you!