'Problems' by Langston Hughes
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2 and 2 are 4.
4 and 4 are 8.
But what would happen
If the last 4 was late?
And how would it be
If one 2 was me?
Or if the first 4 was you
Divided by 2?
Submitted by Denice Jackson
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of Langston Hughes' "Problems"
Langston Hughes, one of the most prominent writers of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote the poem "Problems" in 1922. The poem is a reflection on the struggles and challenges that African Americans faced during that era. This literary criticism and interpretation will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the work.
Themes
The themes in "Problems" are centered around the experiences of African Americans during the early 20th century. The poem highlights the challenges that African Americans faced in a society that was hostile and discriminatory towards them. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem by describing the many obstacles that African Americans encounter in their daily lives:
"I am the American heartbreak— The rock on which Freedom Stumped its toe— The great mistake That Jamestown made Long ago."
Through these lines, Hughes is drawing attention to the fact that African Americans have been relegated to a position of inferiority in America from its earliest days. The "rock on which Freedom stumped its toe" is referring to the fact that the founding of the country was marred by slavery and the subjugation of African Americans.
The poem also touches on the destructive effects of racism on the African American psyche. In the second stanza, Hughes writes:
"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."
These lines are a testament to the fact that racism affects everyone, regardless of color or status. Hughes is pointing out that racism is a systemic problem that affects all marginalized groups, not just African Americans. The poem also highlights the sense of isolation that comes with being a member of a marginalized group. In the third stanza, Hughes writes:
"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!"
This stanza speaks to the disillusionment that young people feel when they realize that the world is not the meritocracy they thought it was. Hughes is pointing out that the American dream is not accessible to everyone, and that the rules of the game are rigged in favor of the powerful and the wealthy.
Structure
The structure of "Problems" is carefully crafted to reflect the themes that Hughes is exploring. The poem is written in free verse, which allows for a more conversational tone. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct theme. The first stanza is a reflection on the past and the ways in which African Americans have been oppressed. The second stanza is a reflection on the present and the ways in which racism affects all marginalized groups. The third stanza is a reflection on the future and the ways in which the American dream is out of reach for many.
The repetition of the phrase "I am" at the beginning of each stanza is a powerful rhetorical device that reinforces the idea that all people, regardless of their background, are connected by their experiences of oppression. The repetition of the phrase "grab the" in the third stanza is a commentary on the capitalist system that is at the root of many of the problems that Hughes is exploring in the poem.
Language
The language of "Problems" is simple and direct, but it is also rich with metaphor and imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions that evoke the struggles and challenges that African Americans faced during the early 20th century. For example, the line "The rock on which Freedom stumped its toe" is a powerful metaphor that captures the idea that African Americans have been left out of the American dream.
The use of repetition in the poem is also a powerful tool that reinforces the themes that Hughes is exploring. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I am" at the beginning of each stanza is a way of connecting all people through their shared experiences of oppression.
Conclusion
In "Problems," Langston Hughes explores the struggles and challenges that African Americans faced during the early 20th century. The poem is a powerful commentary on the systemic nature of racism and the ways in which it affects all marginalized groups. The structure and language of the poem are carefully crafted to reinforce the themes that Hughes is exploring. Overall, "Problems" is a powerful and enduring work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Problems by Langston Hughes: A Poem of Social Injustice and Inequality
Langston Hughes, one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, was a poet, novelist, and playwright who used his art to address the social and political issues of his time. His poem "Problems" is a powerful commentary on the racial discrimination and economic inequality that plagued America in the early 20th century. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem to understand its significance and relevance today.
The poem begins with a simple and direct statement: "I have problems." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a litany of the various problems that the speaker faces in his life. The first problem is economic: "My shoes are too tight / My pants are too loose / My pocketbook is empty / And my heart is full of blues." These lines convey the speaker's poverty and the sense of hopelessness that comes with it. He cannot afford new shoes or clothes, and his empty pocketbook symbolizes his lack of resources and opportunities.
The second problem that the speaker faces is racial discrimination: "I went to the crossroads / And fell down on my knees / I asked the Lord above me / Have mercy, save poor me." The crossroads are a symbol of the intersection of different paths and choices in life, but for the speaker, they represent a place of desperation and vulnerability. He prays to God for mercy and salvation, but his plea is tinged with a sense of resignation and defeat. The use of the word "poor" emphasizes the speaker's social and economic status, but it also suggests a deeper sense of injustice and inequality.
The third problem that the speaker faces is social isolation: "I walked along the street / No one I could meet / No one to love me / No one to greet." These lines convey the speaker's loneliness and alienation from society. He is invisible and ignored, and his lack of human connection exacerbates his other problems. The repetition of the word "no one" emphasizes the speaker's sense of isolation and the absence of community.
The fourth problem that the speaker faces is political oppression: "I went down to the courthouse / And told the judge right to his face / This killing and mobbing / It's a disgrace." These lines convey the speaker's anger and frustration with the systemic violence and injustice that he witnesses. He confronts the judge directly, but his words fall on deaf ears. The use of the word "disgrace" emphasizes the speaker's moral outrage and the sense of betrayal that he feels from the justice system.
The fifth problem that the speaker faces is existential despair: "I went down to the river / And I lay down to sleep / When I woke up / The river was deep." These lines convey the speaker's sense of despair and the desire to escape from his problems. He seeks solace in nature, but even the river, a symbol of life and renewal, becomes a source of danger and uncertainty. The use of the word "deep" emphasizes the speaker's sense of drowning and the impossibility of escape.
The final problem that the speaker faces is spiritual emptiness: "I went to the churchhouse / And I fell down on my knees / I asked the Lord above me / Have mercy, save poor me." These lines echo the opening of the poem, but now the speaker seeks salvation not from his economic or social problems, but from his spiritual emptiness. He returns to the same prayer, but now it is infused with a sense of hope and faith.
The themes of poverty, racism, isolation, oppression, despair, and spirituality are interwoven throughout the poem, creating a powerful and complex portrait of the speaker's life. The imagery and language of the poem are equally rich and evocative. The use of repetition, rhyme, and rhythm creates a musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. The use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the themes and images.
For example, the use of the crossroads as a symbol of the speaker's desperation and vulnerability is a powerful metaphor that resonates with the reader. The use of the river as a symbol of the speaker's despair and the impossibility of escape is another example of the poem's rich imagery. The use of the word "poor" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's social and economic status, but it also suggests a deeper sense of injustice and inequality.
The poem "Problems" is a powerful commentary on the social and political issues that continue to plague America today. The themes of poverty, racism, isolation, oppression, despair, and spirituality are as relevant now as they were when Hughes wrote the poem in the 1920s. The poem reminds us that these problems are not individual or isolated, but systemic and interconnected. It challenges us to confront these problems and work towards a more just and equitable society.
In conclusion, "Problems" by Langston Hughes is a classic poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for social justice and equality. Its themes, imagery, and language are timeless and universal, and its message is as urgent and relevant today as it was when it was first written. The poem is a testament to the power of art to inspire and provoke, to challenge and transform, and to give voice to the voiceless.
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