
LANGSTON HUGHES
MONTAGE OF A DREAM DEFERRED
"What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?"
Description: The poem is a representation of how the black people will grow strong as they wait. Wait for the black people to grow to an understanding that enough is enough, and sit at the table (the U.S. government) strong enough to tell those who oppose, no.
Explanation: The poem wanted to further the black men and women rights in the United States in the 1920 when they were feeling oppressed by those around them.
Evaluation: It was chosen to show how far black laws had gone since the Civil war and 50 years later what the outcome has turned out to be.
Analysis: It shows conflict between the races, the black and whites are now starting to mix more frequently now with this new era of trade, and this makes the 1920’s roaring with sounds of violence or political debate.