IndexImagesSimilarAllusionsConclusionBibliographyLangston Hughes, one of the most celebrated poets of the Harlem Renaissance, used various literary devices in his poem "Harlem" to convey the complexities of the African-American experience during the early 20th century. Through the use of vivid imagery, similes, and allusions, Hughes captures the frustration, hope, and dreams of the people living in Harlem. This essay will explore the different elements of poetry used in “Harlem” and analyze their significance in conveying the overall message of the poem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayImageryOne of the major literary devices used by Hughes in "Harlem" is imagery. From the beginning of the poem, Hughes paints a vivid picture of a decaying neighborhood when he asks, "What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun?" (lines 1-3). This powerful image of a dried raisin suggests the withering of dreams and the potential loss of hope. Throughout the poem, Hughes continues to use visual and sensory details to describe the struggles faced by the African American community in Harlem. In the lines "Or fester like a sore - / And then run away?" (lines 4-5), Hughes uses the image of a festering sore to illustrate the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. The image of a sore implies pain, infection, and a potentially explosive outcome. This vivid description serves to emphasize the frustration and pent-up anger that can result from dream suppression. Furthermore, in the lines “Maybe it just sags / like a heavy load” (lines 6-7), Hughes uses the imagery of a falling load to represent the weight of unfulfilled dreams on the individual. These images evoke a sense of heaviness and burden, suggesting the emotional toll that unachieved aspirations can have on a person's spirit. Similes In addition to imagery, Hughes uses similes in "Harlem" to enhance the reader's understanding of the experiences and emotions expressed in the poem. . By comparing deferred dreams to various objects, Hughes creates a clearer picture of their impact. For example, in the lines "Or explodes?" (line 11), Hughes uses a simile to compare a dream deferred to an explosive device. This similarity suggests that unfulfilled dreams can have a powerful and potentially destructive effect. Using this powerful image, Hughes highlights the urgent need for the African American community to face and overcome the obstacles that prevent the realization of their dreams. AllusionsHughes also incorporates allusions into "Harlem" to evoke a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context in which the poem is set. For example, when he refers to "raisins in the sun" (line 2), he alludes to the play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, which explores the dreams and struggles of an African-American family in Chicago. By referencing this play, Hughes draws attention to the universality of dreams deferred and the common experiences shared by African Americans in different cities and time periods. Also, the phrase “Does it smell like rotten meat?” (line 8) alludes to the oppressive social conditions faced by African Americans, particularly in terms of racial discrimination and inequality. The reference to the foul odor of rotten meat suggests the dehumanizing effects of these conditions and the need to address systemic issues that hinder progress and equality. Conclusion In conclusion, Langston Hughes masterfully employs various literary devices such as imagery, similes and allusions in his poem "Harlem" to convey the complexities 2022.