Dream Deffered

     The poem "Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes explores what happens to postponed dreams. Initially, I was confused whether Hughes meant dreams as in aspirations or as in literal dreams while sleeping. After reading the poem a few times, I came to the conclusion that he is speaking of the idea of what happens when we put off our aspirations. Also, while I know very little about Hughes, I came to this conclusion because of his work for African-American rights.

     Hughes utilizes many literary techniques when conveying his message. The two that stuck out to me were his use of similes and imagery. By comparing postponed aspirations to other things, such as "a raisin in the sun," "a sore" or "rotten meat," we are able to truly understand the topic in a more relatable way. We can easily connect these pushed away dreams with something simpler such as a common sore. Hughes use of imagery helps the reader to easily understand his point. 

     I also loved Hughes' creative use of imagery. The line that stuck out to me the most reads, "Maybe it just sags like a heavy load" (Hughes, 805).  I immediately thought of a laundry bag when reading this line. His creative use of imagery displays how one always carries their dreams with them, however sometimes not as plesently when they are deferred. 

     While Hughes uses many more literary techniques, these two stood out the most to me and helped a great deal in conveying his message.