How does one interpret unity in America, after all we live in the United States? In the poems, “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman and “I, Too” by Langston Hughes, both authors express what it means for them to live in America. Hughes writes from an African American perspective living in the 1930s, while Walt Whitman writes from a Caucasian perspective living in the mid 1800s. These facts play an important role in interpreting these poems. “I Hear America Singing” and “I, Too” share a common theme of unity and hopefulness in America. Although the poems share a similar theme, each poem applies different styles through diction, along with different points of view, based on time and setting. In both poems, the authors describe the ways
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Like said previously, Whitman shows the hope he has for America to remain strong through its people. There is also hope presented when he says, “The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of / the girl sewing or washing” (8). Women have overcome discrimination over time, and being hopeful to finally have rights, pays off. Whitman has added this line specifically for the purpose of what America is really about, freedom and equality. The fight that women put up has paid off and Whitman makes a note of that. In “I, too” in line two Hughes says, “I am the darker brother” (2). Hughes refers to his skin color but still relates himself as a brother signifying unity to the rest of America. Then, he describes how he is sent to eat in the kitchen, but is not discouraged by it and instead grows strong (3-7). One can envision, here, an African American slave amongst a white family. Hypothetically he says, “Tomorrow, / I’ll set at the table. / When company comes / Nobody’ll dare / Say to me, / “Eat in the kitchen,” / Then” (8-14). In line eight, Hughes doesn’t literally mean “Tomorrow” but instead is looking ahead to the future where he is hopeful that there will finally be equality. He believes that there will finally be a day when African Americans get justice and will be treated equally. In the final lines, he describes how households with slaves will feel ashamed for discrimination. Slavery was, most certainly, a difficult time for African Americans but Hughes is still hopeful and stands strong for a brighter future with equality towards
Like said previously, Whitman shows the hope he has for America to remain strong through its people. There is also hope presented when he says, “The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of / the girl sewing or washing” (8). Women have overcome discrimination over time, and being hopeful to finally have rights, pays off. Whitman has added this line specifically for the purpose of what America is really about, freedom and equality. The fight that women put up has paid off and Whitman makes a note of that. In “I, too” in line two Hughes says, “I am the darker brother” (2). Hughes refers to his skin color but still relates himself as a brother signifying unity to the rest of America. Then, he describes how he is sent to eat in the kitchen, but is not discouraged by it and instead grows strong (3-7). One can envision, here, an African American slave amongst a white family. Hypothetically he says, “Tomorrow, / I’ll set at the table. / When company comes / Nobody’ll dare / Say to me, / “Eat in the kitchen,” / Then” (8-14). In line eight, Hughes doesn’t literally mean “Tomorrow” but instead is looking ahead to the future where he is hopeful that there will finally be equality. He believes that there will finally be a day when African Americans get justice and will be treated equally. In the final lines, he describes how households with slaves will feel ashamed for discrimination. Slavery was, most certainly, a difficult time for African Americans but Hughes is still hopeful and stands strong for a brighter future with equality towards