Analyse the poem
Harlem
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?
"Harlem" by Langston Hughes is a brief but powerful poem that reflects on the consequences of delaying or ignoring one's dreams. The poem uses a series of vivid images to suggest various possible outcomes when a dream is not pursued or realized.
The first stanza introduces the metaphor of a deferred dream, comparing it to a raisin drying up in the sun. This image conveys a sense of loss, as something once vibrant and full of potential withers away. The following lines describe the potential consequences of neglecting a dream, suggesting that it may become painful, unpleasant, or ultimately destructive.
The final stanza offers two contrasting images for how a deferred dream might manifest. The idea of a heavy load suggests the burden of unfulfilled aspirations weighing someone down, while the possibility of explosion implies a more dramatic and catastrophic outcome.
Overall, "Harlem" effectively conveys the idea that suppressing or postponing one's dreams can have negative consequences, both personally and potentially explosively. The poem's use of vivid imagery and concise language creates a sense of urgency and emotional depth, encouraging readers to consider the importance of pursuing their own dreams.