I Too Commonlit Answers (2024)

FAQs

What is the central idea of the poem "I Too"? ›

Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too" is a metaphor for the dream of ending segregation and the possibility and hope of bringing all people together. Hughes strives to make his work relatable to the reader, and this piece, published in 1926, would bring a lot of comfort to those who feel marginalized.

In a poem that describes American racism, the “kitchen” symbolizes one of its most perverse expressions: segregation. Segregation meant the black people and white people had to stay separate, in everything from where they lived to what water fountains they used.

Hughes uses refrain, enjambment, and allusion to enhance the meaning of his poem and communicate a message of acceptance for African-Americans in American society. Hughes explores racism and African-American identity themes in "I, Too."

"I, Too" is a poem written by Langston Hughes that shows a want for equality through patience whilst going against the idea that patriotism is limited by race. It was first published in Hughes' first volume of poetry, The Weary Blues in 1926.

The central idea of the poem is the most important concept that the author wants to tell the reader. The central idea may be stated directly.

The central idea is what the poet is writing aboutor conveying to the reader. The message of the poem is the poet's feelings of position regarding the central idea. For example, the central idea of a poem might be war. The message might be opposition to war, the devastation, loss, suffering.

The speaker also predicts that, one day, the "darker brother" will be able to "eat at the same table" as the "white brother." This symbolizes the end of racial segregation and the beginning of a new era of racial equality.

When the speaker announces his desire for a seat at the dinner table when company comes, he's using a metaphor to describe his desire for social and political equality. Having a (metaphorical) seat at the table would reflect the fact that he has a (real) voice in the destiny of his country.

1) The poem is about Racism and American Identity. 2) It's about discrimination. 4) Because they are ashamed of him.

Hence, when Hughes writes “I, too, sing America” he also sees himself as part of the chorus singing about being American. This allusion is meant to show that the black man is as American as everyone else and hence should not be oppressed and treated as a second class citizen.

What is the tone in "I Too"? ›

The tone of "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes is full of pride. The speaker is discussing the racial divide in America, and he is saying that although he is darker, he still represents America. He may be treated poorly now, but soon enough, he will be treated with the respect he deserves.

“I, Too” consists of one extended metaphor. The metaphor centers around the domestic image of a dinner table: The people who eat at it and those who are excluded. The only indication Hughes gives that this poem is about race is when he identifies himself as the “darker brother” (Line 2).

Why does the speaker in "I, Too" have to eat in the kitchen when company comes? What does eating in the kitchen represent? He has to eat in the kitchen because he is an African American. Eating in the kitchen represents how the whites did not see the blacks as being equal to them [segregation].

Hughes makes Whitman—his literary hero—more explicitly political with his assertion “I, too, sing America.” The verb here is important because it suggests the implicit if unrecognized creative work that African-Americans provided to make America.

The statement that best describes a main theme of Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too" is Racial prejudice is disgraceful and will dissolve in favor of equality. Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too" is a poem that emphasizes the spirit of American freedom and the fight against prejudice.

Answer: The central idea of a poem is the poem's theme or 'what it's about' if you like. Although many shy away from poems being 'about' something, at the end of the day, the poet had something in mind when it was written, and that something is the central idea, whatever it is or might have been.

Explanation: The play gives the message that over-confidence can lead to disastrous results. One should never consider oneself to be smarter than the opponent as is done by the intruder who thinks that Gerrard is no match for him.

Expert-Verified Answer

The statement that best describes a main theme of Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too" is Racial prejudice is disgraceful and will dissolve in favor of equality.

Cite this page as follows:

Laura Guggenheim, M.A. High school English and Literature teacher who has also taught at the college level. The main theme of "I, Too" is that Americans of color, specifically Black Americans, should have the same rights and freedoms granted to white Americans.