Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Introduction
In his poem "Dreams," Langston Hughes explores the power of dreams to shape our lives. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which presents a different aspect of the dream. In the first stanza, Hughes describes the dream as a "silver bird" that flies "high above the world." In the second stanza, he compares the dream to a "garden" that is full of "beautiful flowers." In the third stanza, he describes the dream as a "fountain" that is full of "clear water." And in the fourth stanza, he compares the dream to a "mountain" that is "high and strong."
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement of this essay is that Hughes' poem "Dreams" is a celebration of the power of dreams to shape our lives. The poem argues that dreams can help us to see the world in a new way, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to overcome obstacles.
Brief Author Summary/Bio
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist. He was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902, and died in New York City in 1967. Hughes is considered one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural and artistic flowering in African American communities in the United States. His work often explored the themes of race, identity, and the African American experience.
Critical Lenses to be Discussed/Socioeconomic Factors that impact meaning
One critical lens that can be applied to Hughes' poem "Dreams" is the lens of race. The poem was written during the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African Americans were beginning to assert their cultural and artistic independence. Hughes' poem celebrates the power of dreams to help African Americans overcome the obstacles that they faced in their everyday lives.
Another critical lens that can be applied to the poem is the lens of socioeconomic status. Hughes grew up in poverty, and his poem reflects the challenges that he faced as a young man. The poem's imagery of a "silver bird," a "garden," a "fountain," and a "mountain" suggests that Hughes' dreams were about more than just material possessions. They were about finding beauty in the ordinary, and about overcoming the obstacles that he faced in his everyday life.
Poetic Devices & Literary Elements (Must Include Direct Quotes/ Incorporation of the main text and other scholarly sources)
One of the most striking poetic devices in Hughes' poem "Dreams" is the use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid imagery that helps to create a sense of wonder and possibility. For example, in the first stanza, Hughes describes the dream as a "silver bird" that flies "high above the world." This image suggests that the dream is something that is both beautiful and unattainable. It is something that we can only dream of, but never quite reach.
Another important poetic device in the poem is the use of metaphor. In the second stanza, Hughes compares the dream to a "garden" that is full of "beautiful flowers." This metaphor suggests that the dream is a place of beauty and peace. It is a place where we can escape from the harsh realities of the world.
The poem also makes use of personification. In the third stanza, Hughes describes the dream as a "fountain" that is full of "clear water." This personification suggests that the dream is a source of life and renewal. It is a place where we can go to find strength and inspiration.
Finally, the poem makes use of symbolism. The image of the "mountain" in the fourth stanza is a symbol of strength and perseverance. It suggests that the dream is something that we must work hard to achieve. It is not something that is given to us easily.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hughes' poem "Dreams" is a celebration of the power of dreams to shape our lives. The poem argues that dreams can help us to see the world in a new way, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to overcome obstacles. The poem's imagery, metaphor, personification, and symbolism all contribute to its message of hope and possibility.
Work Cited
Hughes, Langston. "Dreams." The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. Knopf, 1994.