Analysis of Dreams by Langston Hughes - Essay Example

Analysis of “Dreams” by Langston Hughes. On first reading, Langston Hughes’ “Dreams” is a very short and simple poem. Itcan be read in a flash, there is no complexity and its meaning is very clear. It does not require any interpretation. Its theme is so direct and strongly emphasized that it can be stated in a single sentence. It is an exhortation to the reader from the poet: ‘Do not let go of your dreams.’ On the surface, this seems to be fairly straightforward. But, in spite of its apparent simplicity, the poem is packed with power and exerts a strong pull on the reader. On closer analysis, the poem reveals depths of meaning which make it rich and particularly appealing to the reader. Langston Hughes skilfully uses structure, theme, vivid imagery and literary devices to enhance the effect of “Dreams.” The structure of the poem heightens the poem’s appeal. It consists of just a couple of complete sentences which are arranged in two short stanzas. Each stanza is in the form of four lines which are brief and to the point. This enables the reader to focus on the theme without any distraction. The focus remains completely on the importance of holding on to dreams. The poet uses simple vocabulary and the meaning of the poem is easy to grasp. There are no ambiguous words which puzzle the reader. This makes the tone of the poem very conversational. The everyday language generates an intimate tone and makes the reader particularly receptive to the poet’s voice. The reader feels that the poet is addressing him directly and immediately empathizes with the poet. The reader develops a sense of comradeship with the poet. The rhyming scheme is another aspect of the poem’s structure which holds the reader’s attention. The second and fourth lines of the two stanzas rhyme: “die” and “fly;” “go” and “snow.” The rhyme adds to the beauty of the poem’s sound and gives it a lyrical quality. The first and fourth lines are unrhymed and make an effective contrast which heightens the rhyme of the other lines. The absence of punctuation is another characteristic of the structure which heightens the effect of the poem. This makes the structure very stark and compelling. Each line flows into the next and contributes to the easy reading of the poem. The poem’s structure demonstrates strong repetition. There is repetition in structure and repetition in words. The two stanzas follow the same pattern. The structure of the first stanza is repeated in the second stanza: both stanzas begin with the poet’s urging to hold on to dreams and both go on to give the details of what would happen if this is not done. By repeating the words “Hold fast to dreams,” (Hughes, 1) in the second stanza, the poet emphasizes the importance of not letting go of one’s dreams and gives his warning an air of urgency. Again, the two stanzas show a repetition of structure in the lines “Life is a broken-winged bird” (3) and “Life is a barren field” (7). Here, the repetition is used for emphasis and the adverse consequences of losing one’s dreams is clearly stated. The theme of the poem is something which every reader can identify with. Dreams are a part of every individual’s life. The vast majority of humanity starts out with many goals and aspirations. As life goes on, obstacles and sorrows are met and many of these dreams remain mere fantasy or die. They cannot be translated into reality. There soon comes a time when hopelessness envelops the soul. There is a tendency to give up on dreams and accept that they are beyond reach. The poet speaks to the many readers whose dreams are yet to be realized. By urging them to “Hold fast to dreams,” the poet implies that dreams can easily slip away unless they are tightly held on to. It is comforting to know that everyone finds it difficult to keep a grip on their dreams. The vivid imagery of the poem captures the imagination of the reader. The poem makes the reader actually visualize the tragic consequences of letting go of one’s dreams. The poet paints a poignant picture of a bird lying on the ground with a broken wing, unable to take flight into the vast sky. This evokes a sorrowful picture of a man losing the means of exploring the vast richness of life and remaining confined to a dull routine. Again, the image of “a barren field / Frozen with snow” (7/8) brings up the picture of a life which is empty of all fulfillment and warmth. The images painted by the poet are seen in the imagination of the reader and contribute to the richness of the poem. Literary devices are the foundation on which the poem is built. The poet uses personification of the word “dreams.” By giving dreams life and human characteristics, the poet creates a bond between the reader and dreams. The reader’s relationship with dreams becomes as fragile as that with any man or woman. Like an individual, dreams can die. Again like a person, dreams can go away. Through this personification, the reader becomes strongly aware of the need to nurture dreams and keep them close to the heart. Just as it is easy to lose personal relationships, it is easy to lose hold of dreams. Dreams need as much care and attention as humans. The fragile bonds which cement human relationships are reflected in the ties which bind individuals and their dreams. By emphasizing the fragile nature of dreams, the reader becomes aware of how precious the possession of dreams is in life. The poet’s use of metaphors is the principle instrument which makes the poem powerful. In the first stanza, a life without dreams is compared to a bird lying on the ground with broken wings. Such a bird cannot live the life it was meant to live. Instead to soaring among the clouds, it is immobilized on the ground. The reader understands that when dreams are lost, life becomes mundane. The ability of man to reach out for the heights and conquer them one day is gone forever. It is dreams which give wings to life and make it beautiful. In the second stanza, the poet compares a life without dreams to a barren field in winter. A frozen field harbors no life. It is empty. In the same way, a life without dreams is empty and devoid of meaning and there is no hope for the future. Here again, the metaphor brings home to the reader the realization that it is dreams which give life new growth. Just as a winter field remains frozen without the sun’s warmth, life without dreams remains unfulfilled. The sun thaws the field and new life comes with the spring. In the same way, dreams nourish the richness of life and bring about new growth. These two metaphors also demonstrate the poet’s love of nature. The poet has reached out to the beauty of nature to touch the reader’s emotions. Langston Hughes’ “Dreams” comprises of just eight short lines. However, the poem holds a world of meaning to the interested reader. The poet’s use of structure includes simple vocabulary, an intimate tone, sparse punctuation, striking rhyme and emphatic repetition. This is a very attractive approach, which contributes to the ease of reading and holds one’s interest. The poem’s theme is universal in its appeal, as any reader can easily identify with having and losing one’s dreams. The beautiful imagery captures the reader’s imagination. A broken-winged bird and a barren, winter field can both be pictured vividly in the mind’s eye. The poet skilfully incorporates literary devices to highlight the theme. The personification of dreams brings the dreams to life and gives the reader a vibrant relationship with the dreams. The use of suitable metaphors brings home the poet’s message clearly. Langston Hughes skilfully uses structure, theme, vivid imagery and literary devices to enhance the effect of “Dreams.” It is no wonder that the poem remains evergreen in its appeal to its readers. Works Cited. Hughes, Langston. “Dreams.” Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Page range of poem. Print. Read More