Final answer:
Whitman's poem presents an optimistic view of American democracy and productivity, while Hughes' sharply contrasts this by highlighting racial inequality, yet asserting the importance of the African American voice in America's collective identity. Both poets break from American literary tradition by establishing voices that reflect the realities of American society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poems I Hear America Singing by Walt Whitman and I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes both celebrate the American spirit, but they approach their subjects from vastly different perspectives influenced by the contexts of their times. Whitman's poem is an expression of joy and pride in the diversity and productivity of American workers, each contributing their unique 'carols' to the collective symphony of the nation. Hughes', on the other hand, takes on a more critical tone, addressing racial segregation and inequality, while asserting the African American's rightful place in American society.
Whitman's idealistic vision of a democratic America is filled with a multitude of individual voices coming together in a harmonious and inclusive work-song. His usage of the word 'carols' rather than 'songs' suggests a celebratory and spiritual connotation, emphasizing joy and personal freedom. By contrast, Hughes' poem is an assertion of identity and determination in the face of exclusion and racism, conveying a strong message of hope and resistance. The phrase 'I, too, sing America' challenges the idea of a homogenous American identity and asserts that the African American voice is equally essential to the nation's chorus.
The mood in Whitman's poem is optimistic and invigorating, reflective of the poet's embrace of American democracy and individualism. Conversely, Hughes' work has an undertone of irony and strength derived from overcoming adversity. The optimism is still there, but it's coupled with a clear-eyed recognition of the struggles Black Americans face. Both poets break from the traditional American literary canon by creating voices that are distinctly American, but Whitish celebrates what America is, while Hughes anticipates what America must become.