English 2XL / Shakely / 9.

15

PV Log: (circle one) Poem / Movie / Theater / Lyric / Photo

Date

10/15

Title Harlem

Author / Director / Poet / Lyricist, etc. (if known) Lagston Hughes

Context (Where Found / Viewed / Read . . . Variety of Sources, please, vis-a-vis Google Images only)

Found on Poetryfoundation.org while looking for poems.

Content / CD / Summary (Say? Plot? Setting / Situation? Key lines / Phrases, Scenes, etc? )

The poem revolves around the idea of the concept of a dream. The poem questions What happens to a
dream deferred (line 1)? Hughes imagines what would happen to the dreams that are put off by humans.
Hughes wonders if the dreams would fester like a sore (line 4), or would they explode (line 11).

Content / CM / Meaning? / Theme(s)?

The main theme of this poem is the concept of abandonment, and what it can do. The concept of dreams
could also represent the goals that everyone has had as a child. It is a natural inclination for human beings to
have goals and aspirations as a child, and whether those aspirations are neglected or not are up to that
specific person. These dreams presented by the poem could motivate humans to better themselves. However,
these aspirations could also intimidate people and drive them crazy, therefore, is it the right idea of deferring
these dreams? The entire poem questions what happens to the dreams and aspirations that are neglected
within the human minds.

Form (Diction? Construction Terms? Symbolism?) This section MUST be filled out for poems taken from the AP Poetry
packet provided prior to first library visit.

The poem has relatively simple dictation with several similes to emphasize the ideas of what could happen to
the neglected dreams. The dreams could potentially symbolize a child. Children who are neglected tend to
cause harm to themselves or to society.

Commentary: Why like? Poetic Traits? Relevance / Connections / Allusions (Lit, Bib, Myth, Histor, Other) / Relevance
to personal experience, 20Qs? etc.)?

This poem has an underlying theme of neglection and what happens to those that are neglected throughout
life such as a dream or a human being. Harlem is considered poetic because it presents themes and ideas that
are not straightforward. This poem requires some analysis in order to see the main theme of abandonment.
Throughout my own life I have seen that abandonment can cause a negative effect on those that are
neglected, and I agree with Hughes in his ideas of what could happen to those that are pushed aside.

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