Final answer:
In 'Harlem (A Dream Deferred)' by Langston Hughes, rhetorical questions are used to provoke thought, reflect on civil rights themes, and emphasize the significance of racial issues. They engage readers in contemplation without providing direct answers, evoking the complex struggles of the African American experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem Harlem (A Dream Deferred) by Langston Hughes, the speaker uses rhetorical questions as a literary device to engage readers. This approach serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it reflects the thematic exploration of the civil rights of African Americans during Hughes's time. The questions, such as 'What happens to a dream deferred?', function as a provocation, inviting readers to contemplate the consequences of postponed dreams and the social realities of the time. These uncertainties are a representation of the African American experience and the systemic postponement of their rights.
Secondly, the speaker's use of questions poses indeterminate scenarios, emphasizing the complex and uncertain nature of the African American struggle. They are designed to provoke thought and encourage introspection among readers, pushing them to consider the depth and ramifications of racial inequality. The questions are indicative of Hughes's own experiences and the informal segregation he encountered during his childhood, as well as the challenges black children faced in the supposedly integrated North.
Lastly, the technique of asking questions rather than stating answers outright serves to emphasize the significance of the subject matter, demonstrating how vital it is to engage in dialogue and self-examination concerning racial issues and personal desires. Rather than providing straightforward interpretations, Hughes's poem remains open-ended, strengthening its impact and allowing for individual interpretation and connection to personal experiences.