"Conformity and Rebellion"

Linda sue Grimes article about “Harlem: A Dream Deferred.” By Langston Hughes goes into great detail about each line of the poem and its true meaning. I found this informative article at suite 101.com the genuine article.Literally.

At the beginning of the article Grimes states the theme of the poem. “Having to postpone one’s deepest desires can lead to destruction” (Grimes). She then goes on to explain how each stanza is a rhetorical question since they answer themselves. The first and second stanza uses similes and the last stanza uses a metaphor. In addition, Gimes tells how the poem employs rime and imagery. The body of the article states each stanza and its importance. For example, when Hughes states “Does it dry up like a raisin” Gimes tells how this statement is a good thing. A raisin is already dry. This is what makes it great and nutritional. Grimes sums up the article by repeating this process with each stanza.

I agree with Linda Sue Grimes summary and think she did a great job at explaining “Harlem: A Dream Deferred” By Langston Hughes. She emphasized each simile and metaphor. In addition, she broke down each stanza and brought out Hughes intended meaning. At the end of the article Gimes states that the meaning of the last stanza “or does it explode?” means the dreams are shattered. I disagree with this I think that the real meaning is that the dreams explode into something positive, not something negative like death.


Grimes, Linda Sue. "Hughes’ Harlem-A Dream Deferred". Poetry.suite101.com Literally.01 Feb, 2009. 25 March 2009. < http://poetry.suite101.com/article.cfm/huges_harlem_a_dream_deferred