Sunday, September 17, 2017

In the poem 'Dreams' by Langston Hughes, what are 3 literary devices the poet uses to reveal the theme?

The theme of “Dreams” by Langston Hughes is about not giving up on what you want out of life. Hughes says to “Hold fast to dreams” and not let them go, for if you do, your life will be meaningless and unfulfilled.He shows this theme through his use of figures of speech. “Life is a broken-winged bird. . .That cannot fly” is the firstmetaphorhe uses. Hughes compares losing your dreams to living a life like a...

The theme of “Dreams” by Langston Hughes is about not giving up on what you want out of life. Hughes says to “Hold fast to dreams” and not let them go, for if you do, your life will be meaningless and unfulfilled.He shows this theme through his use of figures of speech. “Life is a broken-winged bird. . .That cannot fly” is the first metaphor he uses. Hughes compares losing your dreams to living a life like a bird that is unable to soar and achieve flight, something essential to the bird’s happiness. The second metaphor, “Life is a barren field frozen with snow” also represents how a life without dreams is similar to one frozen in a barren field. Life would not have any meaning because giving up your dreams is also giving up on your potential and opportunity. 


Finally, Hughes also uses alliteration and repetition to create effects in the poem. “Dreams die”, “broken-winged bird”, and “field frozen” are examples of alliteration that give the particular words emphasis, and therefore, a deeper message to the reader. Repeating the words, “Hold fast” also adds to the overall theme of not giving up and having motivation to keep seeking your dreams.


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