“Let America Be America Again”: A Man’s Desire for Unity In “Let America Be America Again,” Langston Hughes encourages working class Americans to fight back against corporate influence and create a country that provides equality for all. To do this, Hughes draws on personal experience or observation, as well as the experiences of other individuals to produce a feeling of unity between himself and the reader. In addition, he supports this feeling with vivid imagery and descriptive language in each stanza. Together, the evidence and emotional connection convince the reader that we can change the world.
Throughout the poem, the speaker uses specific language, as well as repetition to clarify that he is speaking about groups of individuals who live at or slightly above the poverty level:
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean– (31-34)
This quote not only identifies and describes the people the speaker is urging to take action, but also solidifies the idea that individuals from …show more content…
I am the red man driven from the land” (19-21). Each line in this quote illustrates a different individual’s experience. However the use of “I am” at the beginning of each line implies that the author is included in this group of individuals—the working class. The combination of experiences draws sympathy from the reader and invokes a feeling that we are one; therefore, we should fight as one. In other words, integrating other’s struggles persuades the reader to side with Hughes and believe that we can make a difference in society and change America. Unfortunately—while Hughes call for action is persuasive—it is unknown whether his vision will ever become
Throughout the poem, the speaker uses specific language, as well as repetition to clarify that he is speaking about groups of individuals who live at or slightly above the poverty level:
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean– (31-34)
This quote not only identifies and describes the people the speaker is urging to take action, but also solidifies the idea that individuals from …show more content…
I am the red man driven from the land” (19-21). Each line in this quote illustrates a different individual’s experience. However the use of “I am” at the beginning of each line implies that the author is included in this group of individuals—the working class. The combination of experiences draws sympathy from the reader and invokes a feeling that we are one; therefore, we should fight as one. In other words, integrating other’s struggles persuades the reader to side with Hughes and believe that we can make a difference in society and change America. Unfortunately—while Hughes call for action is persuasive—it is unknown whether his vision will ever become