I Too Sing America Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

Welcome to an exploration of one of America’s most resonant and enduring poems, Langston Hughes’s “I Too Sing America.” This powerful work, a cornerstone of American literature, speaks volumes about identity, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of hope. Prepare to delve into its profound message and masterful artistry.

I Too Sing America

By Langston Hughes

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.

Understanding “I Too Sing America”: A Core Message

Langston Hughes’s “I Too Sing America” stands as a defiant yet hopeful declaration of identity and belonging. First published in 1925, this poem emerged from the vibrant intellectual and cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, a period when African American artists, writers, and musicians celebrated Black culture and challenged racial injustice. The poem’s enduring popularity stems from its concise yet potent portrayal of racial inequality and its unwavering vision for a future of inclusion and respect.

The Central Idea of “I Too Sing America”

The central idea of “I Too Sing America” is a powerful assertion of African American identity as an integral part of the American fabric, despite experiences of discrimination. The speaker, representing African Americans, claims their rightful place within the nation’s narrative, not as a plea, but as a confident statement of fact. It is a poem about resilience, the quiet strength found in the face of prejudice, and an optimistic belief in the eventual triumph of equality.

A Concise “I Too Sing America” Summary

The poem introduces a speaker who identifies as “the darker brother,” a clear reference to African Americans in a racially segregated society. This speaker describes being sent to eat in the kitchen when guests arrive, a vivid symbol of the systemic exclusion and marginalization faced by Black individuals. However, the speaker does not succumb to despair. Instead, there is a powerful response of resilience: “But I laugh, / And eat well, / And grow strong.” This defiance sets the stage for a future vision where the speaker confidently anticipates joining “the table” when company comes, asserting that no one will dare to relegate them to the kitchen again. The poem concludes with a profound statement of self-worth and belonging: “They’ll see how beautiful I am / And be ashamed. / I, too, am America.” This final declaration solidifies the speaker’s undeniable claim to American identity.

Deep Dive into “I Too Sing America”: An Analysis

Langston Hughes masterfully crafts “I Too Sing America” using a blend of straightforward language and profound literary and poetic devices. This section offers an in-depth “I Too Sing America analysis,” exploring its themes and the techniques that make it so impactful.

Major Themes in “I Too Sing America”

Identity and Belonging: The poem opens and closes with variations of the line “I, too, sing America” and “I, too, am America.” This repetition is not merely a statement but a powerful claim. It asserts that despite being marginalized, the speaker’s voice and presence are essential to the nation’s song and identity. The “too” is crucial, signifying that American identity is not exclusive but inclusive, encompassing all its people.
Racial Discrimination and Resilience: The core conflict of the poem is the experience of racial discrimination, symbolized by the command, “They send me to eat in the kitchen / When company comes.” This imagery vividly portrays segregation and the indignity of being treated as less than equal. Yet, the speaker’s response is not one of victimhood but of profound resilience: “But I laugh, / And eat well, / And grow strong.” This demonstrates an inner strength that refuses to be broken by prejudice.
Hope and Future Justice: A strong current of optimism runs through the poem, particularly in the lines, “Tomorrow, / I’ll be at the table / When company comes.” This is not a passive hope but a confident expectation of a future where equality is realized. The speaker envisions a time when the current injustices will be overcome, and their rightful place will be acknowledged.
Dignity and Self-Worth: The poem culminates in a powerful assertion of inherent dignity: “Besides, / They’ll see how beautiful I am / And be ashamed.” This speaks to the idea that true beauty and worth are intrinsic and cannot be diminished by external prejudice. The “shame” will fall upon those who perpetuated the discrimination, recognizing their error in failing to see the speaker’s true value.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “I Too Sing America”

Hughes’s genius lies in his ability to convey complex ideas with simple, accessible language, amplified by carefully chosen literary and poetic devices. Understanding these techniques enriches the “I Too Sing America analysis.”

Metaphor: The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor. The “darker brother” is a metaphor for African Americans, and the act of being sent “to eat in the kitchen” is a metaphor for racial segregation and social exclusion. Conversely, “the table” symbolizes inclusion, equality, and full participation in American society. The act of “singing America” is a metaphor for contributing to and being a part of the nation’s cultural and social identity.
Symbolism:
- The “kitchen” powerfully symbolizes segregation, marginalization, and the relegated status of African Americans in society. It represents a place of subservience and invisibility.
- The “table” symbolizes equality, acceptance, and full integration into the American social fabric. It is where all are seen, heard, and valued.
- “Company” represents the dominant white society or those who hold power and dictate social norms.
These symbols are central to understanding the poem’s message of exclusion and the yearning for inclusion.
Imagery: Hughes uses vivid imagery to create a clear picture in the reader’s mind and evoke emotional responses.
- “They send me to eat in the kitchen” creates a stark visual of segregation and the indignity of the speaker’s position.
- “But I laugh, / And eat well, / And grow strong” paints an image of resilience, inner joy, and developing power despite adversity.
- “I’ll be at the table” conjures an image of future equality and acceptance.
Tone: The poem’s tone is complex and evolves. It begins with a quiet acknowledgment of injustice, then shifts to a tone of defiance and resilience (“But I laugh, / And eat well, / And grow strong”). The middle section carries a tone of confident optimism and determination (“Tomorrow, / I’ll be at the table”). The ending is triumphant and assertive, conveying a sense of self-worth and moral authority (“They’ll see how beautiful I am / And be ashamed. / I, too, am America.”).
Diction: Hughes employs simple, direct, and conversational diction. Words like “kitchen,” “table,” “company,” and “brother” are everyday terms that make the poem accessible to a wide audience. This simplicity, however, belies the profound and complex message it carries, making the poem’s impact even stronger.
Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This choice contributes to its natural, conversational, and authentic voice. The lines flow organically, mirroring the speaker’s straightforward and confident declaration, giving the poem an immediate and personal feel.
Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “I, too, sing America” at the beginning and its variation “I, too, am America” at the end serves as a powerful framing device. This emphasizes the speaker’s unwavering claim to national identity and underscores the central message of inclusion and belonging. The “too” is a small but mighty word, highlighting that the speaker’s experience is part of the larger American narrative.
Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into three distinct stanzas, each contributing to its narrative arc:
- The first stanza introduces the speaker, their identity, and the current state of discrimination, ending with a powerful statement of resilience.
- The second stanza projects into the future, confidently predicting a time of equality and an end to marginalization.
- The third stanza delivers the ultimate declaration of self-worth and undeniable belonging, concluding the poem with a triumphant assertion of identity.
Dialogue (Implied): The phrase “Eat in the kitchen,” though not a direct conversation, functions as an implied command. It represents the dismissive and prejudiced attitudes the speaker faces, making the experience of discrimination feel immediate and real to the reader. The speaker’s future resolve, “Nobody’ll dare / Say to me, / ‘Eat in the kitchen,’ / Then,” directly challenges this implied command.
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds adds a subtle musicality and emphasis. For example, the short “i” sound in “I, too, sing America” creates a sense of unity and declaration, while the long “o” sound in “grow strong” emphasizes the speaker’s developing power.
Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds contributes to the poem’s auditory texture and reinforces meaning. The “g” sound in “grow strong” emphasizes the speaker’s resilience and developing power, making the phrase feel robust.

The Enduring Legacy of “I Too Sing America”

“I Too Sing America” remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of the human spirit. Langston Hughes, through his masterful use of language and literary devices, crafted a poem that is both a lament for injustice and a triumphant anthem of self-affirmation. Its message of resilience, the demand for equality, and the unwavering belief in a more just future continues to resonate deeply, making it a vital piece for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of American identity and the ongoing pursuit of true inclusion. The poem reminds us that the song of America is incomplete without every voice, especially those that have been historically silenced.