"I, Too" is a poem written by Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The poem speaks to the theme of racial inequality and the struggle for civil rights, particularly in the United States during the mid-20th century.
The poem begins with the line "I, too, sing America." This line immediately establishes the speaker as an American, despite the fact that he is a black man in a time when racial segregation was still prevalent. The speaker asserts his identity and his place in society, declaring that he, too, has a voice and a right to be heard.
The poem goes on to describe how the speaker is "sent to eat in the kitchen" when company comes over. This line refers to the segregation that existed in many public places, including restaurants, during this time period. The speaker is treated as if he is not worthy of eating in the same room as the white guests, and is instead relegated to the kitchen.
Despite this treatment, the speaker remains defiant and optimistic. He declares that "tomorrow, [he'll] be at the table" and that "they'll see how beautiful [he is] and be ashamed." The speaker believes that one day, society will come to recognize the inherent worth and beauty of all people, regardless of their skin color.
The final lines of the poem reinforce this message of hope and determination. The speaker declares that he will "be the blue earth," representing the rich, fertile soil that nourishes and sustains all life. He will also "be the breath of life" and the "stars that shine." These lines suggest that the speaker sees himself as an integral part of the natural world, and that he will not be silenced or marginalized.
In conclusion, "I, Too" is a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the struggle for civil rights and racial equality. The speaker's determination and optimism in the face of discrimination and segregation is both inspiring and moving, and serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and just.
I Too Poem Short Summary
Throughout history, the world has been brimming with blind hate. The word "torment" connotes severe abuse and suffering, and when coupled with "sting," seemingly alludes to a swarm of attacking insects, hounding after an innocent victim. From the ancient Egyptians to modern american history, the rejection of new things by nature has always been in the scene. Speaking about the future, I have come to the idea that this reading made me dream of what kind of community it could be if everyone were equal. Even so, he remains confident, growing strong and eating food in preparation for the future.
I, Too Summary & Study Guide
Besides, I found that, apart from anger, the line was filled with hope. The Turner Rebellion After Nat Turner was caught, the state government sentenced Turner to be hung. Besides, the line reminded me of the racial issues that took place in my country in the past. Refer to 3 poems in your response? People's perception of others frequently stopped at their skin. I,too by Langston Hughes, The Atlantic Slave Trade and the Powwow At The End Of The World all approach the same conflict in their own distinctive ways. Both paths seemed equally worn and leafy.
Unlike I,too which did not provide any historic background, The Atlantic Slave Trade reveals the brutal past of the African people and how they were objectified. In conclusion, the novel Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave portrays the wicked effects slavery had on Caucasian Southerners and the cruelty African Americans faced because of it. At a time when Black Americans were segregated from white Americans in most spaces, the speaker envisions a world where people may all sit together at one table. The version of this poem used to created this study guide appears in: Hughes, Langston and Rampersad, Arnold Ed. While reading the third section from part one I felt deep sorrow for Anthony Johnson and his family. Europe left an everlasting scar on africa by exploiting them in every way possible. Bradstreet wanted to be noticed for her poems own worth.