Langston Hughes discusses the significance of dreams in his poems “Dreams Deferred” and “Dreams”. Through the use of various forms of figurative language such as similes and metaphors, the author highlights both the similarities and differences between dreams. The line “Hold fast to your dreams/for if dreams die” (Hughes 1-2 poem 1) encapsulates the theme of the poem “Dreams” – the importance of pursuing and preserving one’s dreams.
Langston Hughes addresses the significance of dreams in the poem “Dream Deferred.” The author suggests that without dreams, a person’s sanity could be compromised. Hughes questions, “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun” (Hughes 2-3 poem 2), emphasizing the idea that dreams wither and fade when they are not pursued or achieved.
In both these poems, the author employed metaphors as a form of figurative language. In the first poem, “Dreams,” the author states, “For when dreams go/Life is like a barren field/ of frozen snow” (Hughes 6-8 poem 1), alluding to a feeling of hopelessness. Likewise, in the second poem, the author expresses hopelessness with the lines, “For it dreams die / Life is a broken winged-bird / that cannot fly” (Hughes – poem 2).
The author emphasizes the importance of not letting go of dreams, as emphasized throughout the poem. Langston Hughes stresses the significance of dreams and how they should never be abandoned, as expressed in the line “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”. Hughes argues for readers to hold onto their hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
