Overview
This lecture analyzes the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, focusing on the metaphorical consequences of postponed dreams.
Main Question of the Poem
- The central question is: What happens to a dream deferred?
- A deferred dream refers to a hope or goal that is delayed or put off.
Imagery and Metaphors
- Hughes uses strong imagery to describe possible fates of delayed dreams.
- "Dry up like a raisin in the sun" suggests a dream loses vitality and becomes lifeless.
- "Fester like a sore—And then run" implies a dream becomes infected and harmful.
- "Stink like rotten meat" shows a dream turning unpleasant and offensive.
- "Crust and sugar over—like a syrupy sweet" means a dream might harden or become superficially sweet but inedible.
- "Sags like a heavy load" suggests a dream becomes a burden over time.
Final Possibility
- The poem ends with: "Or does it explode?" implying delayed dreams may lead to sudden, violent consequences.
Repetition and Emphasis
- The repetition of the question and images emphasizes the seriousness and impact of deferred dreams.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Deferred Dream — a hope, ambition, or goal that is postponed or delayed.
- Metaphor — a figure of speech comparing two unrelated things, used in the poem to describe the fate of dreams.
- Imagery — descriptive language appealing to the senses, used to illustrate the effects of delaying dreams.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes.
- Analyze how each metaphor relates to the possible effects of postponing dreams.
- Prepare examples of deferred dreams from personal experience or history.