Question

15 points

Answer 1

Langston Hughes was an important name for the Harlem Renaissance, and portrayed the life of black people in America.

His magnificent poem, "Let America be America Again" shows how the American dream has shattered in the face of greed.

America was dreamt by the pioneers to be a land of freedom and equal opportunities to all. It was supposed to be a country built by and for all, where every man has a chance to become wealthy, live a comfortable and peaceful life.

However, reality is shockingly contrasting to this ideal:

"I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,

I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.

I am the red man driven from the land,

I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—

And finding only the same old stupid plan

Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.

I am the young man, full of strength and hope,

Tangled in that ancient endless chain

Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!

Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!

Of work the men! Of take the pay!

Of owning everything for one’s own greed!"

America is not America to everyone. It is a land where many have seen their dreams fade and die, where so many were slaves - literally and figuratively - to the greed of others. It is a land where a minority becomes richer and richer by exploiting those who are supposed to be their brothers, their equals.