Langston Hughes' poem "A Dream Deferred" explores what happens when dreams and aspirations are put off to a later time. The poem uses imagery and rhetorical questions to suggest that delaying one's dreams can cause them to wither and decay, or potentially "explode" in frustration. As part of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes sought to portray the black experience in America and encourage African Americans to pursue their goals and celebrate their culture despite facing racial struggles and limited opportunities at the time. The theme of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of adversity, remains relevant today.

1. By Langston Hughes A Dream Deferred

2. 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?

3. Questions for Analysis When was this poem written? Who is the author? What is the poem’s meaning? What literary elements are used in the poem?

4. Harlem Renaissance 1920s-1930s African-American cultural revolution Era of written and artistic creativity Eneas de Trova, Harlem Renaissance, May 11, 2010, Attribution

5. Origins of the Harlem Renaissance Huge numbers of African Americans migrated north No opportunities in the South North was industrial. South was agricultural. African Americans were encouraged to celebrate heritage An explosion of music, literature, art.

6. Langston Hughes Born 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. Lincoln, Illinois - began writing poetry. Wrote novels, short stories, plays, poetry Writing important in shaping Harlem Renaissance. Died: 1967 of prostate cancer. onBeing, Langston Hughes, May 15, 2007, Attribution – Non-commercial – ShareAlike

7. Hughes’ Contribution to Harlem Renaissance Portrayals of black life in America. Involved with the world of jazz Personal life and common African American experience. Told stories of African American people Reflected culture, suffering, music, language

8. Reaching Theme How do you reach theme? Analyze parts of the poem. Look at poem line by line. Look for literary devices and meaning. Microsoft Clip Art

9. Literary Devices Imagery “fester like a sore” Rhetorical Questions “What happens to a dream deferred?” Simile “Like a raisin in the sun” Rhyme “load – explode” Diction “dream deferred”

10. Rhetorical Questions How can dream… “dry up” “fester like a sore.” “stink like rotten meat” “crust and sugar over” “sag like a heavy load” “explode” David Harris, IMG_0211, March 10, 2008, Attribution.

11. Word Choice How does word choice help discover the author’s meaning? What does the author mean by “dream”? What does “deferred” mean? What happens when dreams are “deferred”?

12. Rhythm Definition: the flow or cadence of the writing Read the poem aloud. What does it sound like? How to the words flow together? Stuart Seeger,Jazz New Orleans Style, August 12, 2006, Attribution

13. Understanding Theme Having to postpone one’s deepest desires can lead to destruction What does the theme mean? How was the theme important to Harlem Renaissance? How do we apply the theme to our lives?

14. Theme’s Importance to the Harlem Renaissance Encouraged African-Americans to dream Take advantage of new opportunities Break free of the racial struggles of the 1920s Microsoft Clip Art

15. Theme’s Importance Today Encourage us to follow our dreams Take risks to follow our dreams If you don’t, may miss opportunities

16. Works Cited "Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes." PoemHunter.Com - Thousands of Poems and Poets.. Poetry Search Engine. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. <http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dream-deferred/>. "Hughes' Harlem - A Dream Deferred: Analysis and Commentary." Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.suite101.com/content/hughes---harlem--a-dream-deferred--a11137>. "Harlem Renaissance." 42explore2 Temporary Index Page. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.42explore2.com/harlem.htm>. "A Brief Guide to the Harlem Renaissance." Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5657>. "Langston Hughes." Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/83>.