By
utilizing similes, Hughes effectively compares a deferred dream to a raisin in
the sun to demonstrate the difficulties of the black community in achieving
success in America .
Hughes questions, “does [the deferred dream] dry up/ like a raisin in the sun?”
(2-3). In this simile, the comparison is expressed with the use of the word “like.”
Because there are two different ideas being compared, they each must possess a
unique purpose. The first idea, the deferred dream, can have many implications.
When trying to decide which type of dream this is, it is imperative to consider
the author. Langston Hughes was a black poet during the Harlem Renaissance. Even
today, “the American dream” represents every citizen’s hope to find success in this
country. For black people in that time period, achieving success was even more
difficult. Hughes defers his lofty dream of success and
focuses on the frustrating reality of his world. His hope that is slowly disintegrating
is represented in this poem. The deferred dream is then compared to the second
idea, a raisin in the sun. The ripe and fresh grapes are always chosen first
when picked. The grapes that are neglected eventually turn into raisins and are
forgotten. Hughes feels neglected by the white society of the country. He knows
that as a black man, his hopes and dreams of success are not as realistic as a
white man’s hopes and dreams. Hughes thinks that he is forgotten and therefore his dreams are not
important. The comparison of these two ideas is quite profound. They are
complete opposites, yet complement each other perfectly. The dream could have
been compared to any rotten fruit, but the symbolism of the raisin matches the
symbolism of the deferred dream. Both the dream and the raisin have been
neglected, but that does not mean that they do not have a purpose. The dream
can still be achieved and the raisin can still be eaten; it just requires a
little extra attention and lots of resiliency to find success.
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