Analysis
The purpose of Langston writing this poem was to inform people that even though he is of a different race he still shouldn't be treated any differently. In this poem he talks about how every time company comes over he has to go in the kitchen so he wouldn't be seen, but after going through this notion so many times he reaches his breaking point and decides to not listen and stay at the dinner table. He feels after this action they will soon realize that he's not some animal and actually a person that lives in America just like them. The poem causes the reader to feel pity for Langston being treated so poorly, but with Langston's mood of being daring and determined changes the reader's tone into being hopeful that he will succeed in his rebellion. This poem relates to the Harlem Renaissance movement because it debates about the African American's place in America and the identity that they have. |
Literary Devices
Cliche- "I,too" is an example of a cliche. Using this phrase aids Langston's purpose about not being treated any differently because of his skin tone. This cliche emphasizes Langston's beliefs that even though his race isn't the same they still live in the same country and he should be treated with respect. He uses this literary term as a sense of belonging. With using this literary device he was able to get his purpose and message across about being treated fairly not only as a citizen but as a person as well. |
Poem
I, Too BY LANGSTON HUGHES I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America. |
Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance movement was a result of the Great Migration. The Great Migration was a migration of African Americans moving from the South to the North. They felt that they had a place in American life as well as a role and an identity, thus the Harlem Renaissance was born. It started from growing "Negro" middle class that was a part of the the Great Migration. At the time it was known as the New Negro Movement by Alain Locke. Centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York it took over the 1920's to mid 1930's. Poets that were involved: Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Sterling Brown, Claude McKay, and James Weldon Johnson. The legacy of the movement changed how the world viewed African Americans.