"I, Too" by Langston Hughes Analysis by Zach Hodgins
"I, Too" is a poem by Langston Hughes, also known as "I, Too Sing America" was first published in 1926. This was during the Harlem Renaissance in which the African Americans attempted to redefine themselves and advance as a community in which Hughes addresses in his poem. It emphasizes his American identity despite racial oppression. Langston went to Columbia university and left after his first year due to racial discrimination from students and teachers. Although at the time he left his education behind he still had hope and showed resilience and hope for America and this is shown within his poem. "I am the darker brother" is what sets the story of the poem, it lets us know of Hughes African decent in which giving meaning to the discrimination given the timeline. There are two quotes that stood out to me that demonstrates Hughes hope and resilience for America. "Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” These lines are a powerful representation to Hughes belief in inclusion and equality. Despite at the time being currently allocated to the kitchen the word tomorrow represents his anticipation that in the future he will be regarded as an equal when he inevitably eats at the table. At first it may be hard to understand why these lines carry so much power but looking into the language more you begin to understand that it's not just hope that Hughes has but that he is affirming his view that he will be viewed with respect, it's a commanding presence that surely at the time America felt challenged to live up to it's ideals of justice and equality. "Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America." sticking the theme of assertion this powerful message shows that despite his discrimination he still see's his beauty and understand his value as a human being which can be very challenging to maintain in the face of adversity. The line "and be ashamed" shows confidence and reverses the power dynamic by putting pressure to those that have oppressed him. Finally his closing lines shows his unwavering stance on his rightful place as an American by claiming his identity and challenging that only certain groups deserve respect. Although time has passed and equality universally has improved I consider "I, Too" a timeless piece due to it's fundamental aspect on resilience and hope which will be able to resonate with anyone or group who faces discrimination and looks to seek equality. The themes of identity, justice and assertive hope will continue to be relevant and endure the test of time within poetry literature.
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