“A DREAM DEFERRED”(HARLEM)

By: Langston Hughes

The Poem

What happens to a dream deferred?

      Does it dry up      like a raisin in the sun?      Or fester like a sore—

      And then run?      Does it stink like rotten meat?

      Or crust and sugar over—      like a syrupy sweet?

      Maybe it just sags      like a heavy load.

      Or does it explode?

The Author: Langston Hughes

Born February 1, 1902 in Missouri Broken Family Started writing poetry at an early age 1st Book of Poetry “The Weary Blues” was

published in 1926 “The Renaissance Man”- wrote about black life

between 1920’s and 1960’s “He wanted to tell the stories of his people in

ways that reflect their actual culture (good/bad), love of music, laughter, and language

Died (prostate cancer) May 22, 1967

InfluencesPaul Laurence Dunbar

1872-1906African American poet, playwright, and novelist

Walt Whitman

1819-1892American poet, essayist, and journalist

“A Dream Deferred”(Harlem)

Title: Defer- put off or postpone

This poem will probably be about someone not fulfilling their dreams right away.

“A Dream Deferred”

Lines 2-3:Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Simile- Raisins are known to be juicy… if it sits

in the sun, then it dries out and is no longer nutritious or tasty. Typically, people will not want to eat a dry raisin.

This means that if one leaves their dream dormant, then the idea of that dream is no longer appetizing or desirable to us anymore because it has lost its purpose or we do not think of it as important anymore.

Negative connotation

“A Dream Deferred”

Lines 4-5: Or fester like a sore- and then run? Simile- A sore that “festers” has become infected and

disgusting. It has been left untreated for so long that now it has become harmful and gross fluid is now leaking from it.

This means that if a dream is not manifested within a reasonable time it will continue to cause anger and resentment inside of the dreamer that could possibly “leak” out onto those around them

For African Americans, specifically, they have suffered the “sores” of history through slavery and unjust employment and thus are able to relate to this unattainable dream

Negative connotation

“A Dream Deferred”

Lines 7-8: Or crust and sugar over- like a syrupy sweet? Simile- Syrup begins to crust over, when it is

left out and not used. Typically, people do not enjoy syrup this way.

The perfect dream has been abandoned for so long that now is no longer enjoyable.

Negative connotation

“A Dream Deferred”

Last line: Or does it explode? Previously, the speaker made remarks that

emphasized the dream sitting at a standstill. Now the dream is exploding.

Explosions cause two things: destruction and rebuilding

The dreamer has two options then- to allow their frustrations to take over and cause other people despair and broken dreams OR they can decide to have a positive change that builds up a new idea or dream in themselves and others

Negative/Positive connotation

“A Dream Deferred”

Title after analysis Harlem is the original title of this poem

because Harlem is where Langston Hughes witnessed so many African Americans suffer and not be able to live out their dreams.

“A Dream Deferred” is the idea that African Americans during that time period had so many instances where they were prevented from attaining their potential.

Presentation

The best medium to experience “A Dream Deferred” would be understood best through pictorials.

Presentation

Lorraine Hansberry also used the poem as the opener for her award-winning play “A Raisin in the Sun.

Today’s dream

Langston Hughes wrote primarily for African Americans and their perspective for the trials they encountered. During those times, African Americans were prevented from attaining their potential because of unjust laws.

Today, however, everyone must be sure to recognize when their dreams are laying dormant and act to ensure that they are living up to their full potential instead of allowing their dreams to go unrealized.

Your Project

I will give you a poem (partner/ or individual) Information on Author Other individuals or situations that influenced the author Information on the Poem What did you think the title meant before you read the

poem Analysis of the poem At least 3 literary devices and what they mean in the poem How connotation was used in the poem Overall theme of the poem What does the title mean now that you have read the entire

poem What would be the best medium to experience this poem

and its meaning (media, written, pictorials, play, spoken…)

Your project

Presentations will begin December 8th

3-7 minutes Do not just read from your slides You need to understand what you are

talking about