As I Grew Older Analysis by Ella Ben Emanuel

Summary

In the analysis of Langston Hughes's poem *As I Grew Older*, the speaker reflects on the journey from having a dream to facing obstacles symbolized by a wall. The repetition of 'dream' emphasizes its significance, while the wall, shadow, and darkness represent the forces that hinder progress. However, the speaker's hands breaking through the wall symbolize action and transformation, moving towards hope and light. The poem conveys a sense of urgency, highlighting the struggle for personal and societal change, with an ultimate message of resilience, hope, and the possibility of overcoming barriers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The poem *'As I Grew Older'* by Langston Hughes focuses on the narrator’s loss and eventual reclamation of a dream.
• 😀 The 'dream' in the poem represents ambition, hope, and the aspirations that guide the narrator’s life.
• 😀 The 'wall' in the poem symbolizes the obstacles—both personal and societal—that prevent the narrator from achieving his dream.
• 😀 The wall grows slowly and touches the sky, indicating that the narrator’s challenges become overwhelming over time.
• 😀 The shadow represents oppression, negativity, and societal forces that obstruct the narrator’s ability to realize his dreams.
• 😀 The narrator's declaration, 'I am black,' acknowledges both his identity and the racial prejudices he faces.
• 😀 The image of the narrator lying down in the shadow suggests weakness, submission, or a sense of powerlessness.
• 😀 The narrator's hands breaking through the wall symbolize resistance, action, and the fight to overcome obstacles.
• 😀 Shattering the darkness is a metaphor for breaking free from oppression and reclaiming one's dreams and aspirations.
• 😀 The transformation from darkness to light in the poem signifies hope, renewal, and the eventual realization of the dream.
• 😀 The poem uses short, urgent sentences to convey the intensity and immediacy of the narrator's struggle to achieve his dreams.

Q & A

What does the metaphor of the 'wall' represent in the poem?

The 'wall' in the poem symbolizes obstacles that prevent the speaker from achieving their dreams. It can be interpreted as personal, societal, or racial barriers, particularly referencing the struggles faced by African Americans in America.

How does the poet use the repetition of the word 'dream'?

The repetition of the word 'dream' emphasizes its importance and the central role it plays in the poem. It underscores the speaker's ambition, but also the sense of loss as the dream becomes obscured by obstacles.

What is the significance of the speaker mentioning 'my dark hands'?

'My dark hands' refers to the speaker's racial identity and suggests a deeper layer of meaning related to societal oppression and the experience of being marginalized. The image of dark hands breaking through the wall signifies an attempt to overcome these obstacles.

What role does the sun play in the poem?

The sun in the poem symbolizes hope, enlightenment, and the possibility of overcoming darkness. It represents the realization of the dream once the obstacles (the wall) are broken down.

How does the poet create a sense of urgency in the poem?

The poet uses short, sharp sentences and exclamation marks to create urgency. This structure conveys the speaker's desperation and immediacy in breaking through barriers to reach their dreams.

Why is the image of the 'shadow' significant in the poem?

The shadow represents the negative forces that obscure the speaker’s dream. It can be interpreted as a symbol of racial oppression, suggesting that the speaker is trapped in darkness, unable to fully achieve their aspirations.

What does the phrase 'shatter this Darkness' suggest?

The phrase 'shatter this Darkness' symbolizes a strong desire to break free from the oppressive forces preventing the speaker from achieving their dream. It conveys a sense of desperation and urgency in overcoming these obstacles.

What does the image of 'a thousand whirling dreams of sun' represent?

The image of 'a thousand whirling dreams of sun' represents the multitude of dreams and aspirations that can emerge once the obstacles are broken down. It suggests that the dreams of many individuals, or even different aspects of the speaker’s own dreams, can flourish in the light of freedom and hope.

How does the poem's structure contribute to its overall impact?

The poem’s structure, with its short, concise sentences, reflects the urgency and emotional intensity of the speaker’s struggle. It emphasizes the rapid shifts in mood, from despair to hope, and mirrors the sense of frustration in trying to overcome the wall.

What is the emotional tone of the poem and how is it conveyed?

The emotional tone of the poem is one of struggle and determination, mixed with moments of frustration and hope. This is conveyed through vivid imagery, repetition, and the use of exclamation marks, which amplify the sense of urgency and the speaker's desire for change.