I, TOO

1
I, TOO
Langston Hughes His Poetry and His Legacy

• A Multimedia Presentation

2
Langston Hughes

• Hughes was a prominent figure during the Harlem
  Renaissance in the 1920s
• His connection to Harlem in his writing earned
  him the title Poet Laureate of Harlem
• He was known for the use of jazz and black folk
  rhythms in his poetry, which depicted the
  experiences of the urban African American

3
Literary Works

• Hughes wrote more than 60 books.
• He wrote in many genres poetry, fiction,
  autobiographies, and childrens books

4
Distinguished Works

• Hughes first published was also one of his most
  famous, The Negro Speaks of Rivers
• In 1924, Langston Hughes wrote his first book of
  poetry entitled The Weary Blues.
• In 1930, he wrote his first novel, entitled Not
  Without Laughter, which won the Harmon gold medal
  for literature.

5
I, Too Sing America

• In 1925, Hughes wrote a poem entitled I, Too,
  Sing America.
• Through the use of vivid imagery, Hughes
  expressed his feelings toward racism

6
I, TOO, SING AMERICA
By Langston Hughes
7
I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen When company
comes
8
But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.
9
Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company
comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the
kitchen," Then.
10
Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be
ashamed I, too, am America.
11
Poetry Analysis

• I, Too is an anti-discrimination poem, which
  shows the injustices of racism
• The poem is situated in America and describes a
  black mans personal experience with racial
  discrimination
• He is treated as if he is an embarassment to the
  white people, and made to feel inferior to them

12
Poetry Analysis

• The tone changes throughout the poem
• In the first line, the tone is patriotic. The
  line, I, too, sing America, indicates the
  national anthem, and symbolizes unity throughout
  the nation
• In the next stanza, the tone is of anger,
  strength, and determination. The man is enraged
  at how he is treated, but he knows is strong
  enough to fight back. This is evident in the
  line, But I laugh/ and eat,/ And grow strong

13
Poetry Analysis

• The following stanzas tone is of warning and
  caution.
• The man warns the people that he will demand to
  be treated equal.
• Overall, this poem shows Hughes ability to
  perservere, despite unequal conditions in America.

14
Poetry Analysis

• Hughes reveals how America covers up her racial
  discrimination problems.
• He also wants to convey the importance of racial
  equality
• He wants the reader to understand that this is
  not just a personal experience, but a voice of
  his people.

15
Hughes Influence on the Civil Rights Movement

• Something
• Something else
• Wheee

16
Hughes Influence on the Civil Rights Movement
17
LANGSTON HUGHES
Poet Laureate of Harlem
1902-1967