Oppression, Langston Hughes: Summary & Analysis
In "Oppression," Langston Hughes explores the themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Through the portrayal of oppression and its impact on dreams and creativity, the poem reflects the enduring human spirit and the eventual triumph of dreams and expression over harsh realities. Oppression
Now dreams
Are not available
To the dreamers,
Nor songs
To the singers.
In some lands
Dark night
And cold steel
Prevail
But the dream
Will come back,
And the song
Break
Its jail.
Critical Analysis "Oppression" depicts a world where dreams and songs are suppressed due to oppression, symbolizing the stifling of human creativity and expression. The poem emphasizes the resilience of dreams and the power of artistic expression to overcome oppressive circumstances. The repetition of "Now" at the beginning of the poem creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, highlighting the current state of unavailability of dreams and songs. The imagery of "dark night"…