Langston Hughes uses various forms of complex diction to build his theme regarding the dreams behind many African-American lives. By referring to this dream as a star, he suggests a deeper meaning behind it. Similar to a star's unwavering glow in the midst of the dark night sky, his dream as an African American still prevails through the many struggles and obstacles faced. He begins by writing a "sweep of stars over Harlem streets," symbolizing the dream that exists in every individual, constantly being pursued. Hughes promotes the idea of a dream that, while seeming unachievable, is possible. Such like the eternal stars in the night sky, the dream of the people continues to shine. "Taking a star" represents a dream that must be caught and pursued even against the "oblivion" of the night sky. This specific word choice, when referring to oblivion, underlines the struggles and the unknowingness of the future that may be faced. He asks that the community create even just a small change. That even a small dream can have a tremendous impact on their lives. He further emphasizes the value behind a single dream by writing "Take just a star" highlighting the power behind hope. One person's impact can inspire many others to hold their dream and hopes for the future. A single dream has incredible potential and Hughes brings to attention the importance of maintaining them. This idea is seen to this day, as Hughes's writing and hopes have impacted our lives as well as many others.
This is Pelon. I really like how you added your own analysis of descriptions of stars to relate to how Hughes uses stars to describe dreams. For example, when you wrote how stars have an “unwavering glow in the midst of the dark night sky,” this descriptive imagery greatly strengthened what you wrote right after; your connection of what Hughes is trying to describe about dreams. Overall, your writing is really cohesive with a balance between analysis and evidence. You identified the theme and the symbol of the star really well.
ReplyDeleteI like how you analyzed the word choice so deeply with words such as "oblivion". I also like how you looked very closely at the diction, and overall your analysis of the poem really seems to flow!
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of the poem was good. You connected to a deep and hidden meaning that the author was trying to convey and used that to introduce a theme. Honestly, when I first saw the poem, I did not even think that it could have such a deep meaning. Your blog was very effective in explaining that meaning.
ReplyDeleteVandya Nedle - I love the way you analyzed word choice by picking apart specific words and phrases in the poem like how we have been doing in school. Your post is a really good example of how to do that well.
ReplyDeleteI like how you examined Hughes's word choice of stars to find his theme. Moreover, your comparison of the "unwavering glow" of stars to how Hughes's dreams are, too, unwavering.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of the line "taking a star" is really clever :) I really liked how you were able to connect that line to dreams and elaborate on the importance of the statement.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you used “taking a star” and showed not just what Hughes wanted to convey, but also your own take on its meaning. Your analysis of specific phrases within the poem was well thought out and I liked how you had multiple examples for your theme showcased.
ReplyDeleteI really loved the way you wrote this piece, it sounds very knowledgeable. I also love how you connected and tied everything together.
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