01.
The Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s)

• Celebrated African American culture in literature, music, art
• Harlem, NYC was a hub for Black creativity, identity expression

02.
Social Landscape

• Racial segregation, discrimination rampant
• Limited opportunities in education, employment, civil rights

03.
The Great Migration

• Massive movement from South to urban North for better opportunities
• Cultural influence on Harlem's artistic expressions

04.
Impact of World War I

• Returning African American soldiers faced racial hostility
• Struggles for recognition and rights intensified

05.
Cultural Resurgence and Activism

• Intellectuals, artists, activists challenged racial stereotypes
• Advocated for equality, celebrated Black identity

06.
Literary Expression

• Hughes and others used poetry to explore Americanexperiences
• Addressed societal issues, advocated for change

01.
Birth and Early Life (1902-1920s)

• Born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri, to Carrie Langston Hughes and James Nathaniel Hughes
• Parents separated soon after his birth; he was raised by his grandmother in Lawrence, Kansas
• Encountered discrimination and segregation, influencing his later works
• Attended Columbia University but left due to prejudice and a lack of interest in his studies

02.
Harlem Renaissance and Early Career (1920s-1930s)

• Moved to Harlem in 1921, becoming a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance
• Published his first poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," in Crisis magazine in 1921
• Gained recognition for his poetry, essays, and plays that celebrated Black culture and addressed social issues
• "The Weary Blues" (1926) marked his debut collection, winning critical acclaim.

03.
Literary Contributions and Travels (1930s-1940s)

• Wrote prolifically, publishing poetry, novels, short stories, essays, and plays
• Traveled extensively, including to Africa and Europe, experiencing different cultures
• Notable works: "Not Without Laughter" (1930), "The Big Sea" (1940), "Let America Be America Again" (1935), and "Montage of a Dream Deferred" (1951)

04.
Activism and Social Engagement (1950s-1960s)

• Actively involved in civil rights causes, supporting desegregation and equality
• Criticized for his leftist political views during the McCarthy era
• His poem "A Dream Deferred" became a symbol of the African American struggle for equality

05.
Later Life and Legacy (1970s-2000)

• Continued to write and lecture, receiving numerous awards and honors
• Passed away on May 22, 1967, in New York City due to complications from prostate cancer
• After his passing away, he received significant recognition for his numerous contributions to American literature and civil rights

06.
Impact and Influence

• Regarded as a trailblazer in African American literature, his works explored themes of identity, race, and the American experience
• Known for his innovative use of language, jazz rhythms, and authentic portrayal of African American life
• His legacy endures through his writings, which continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide

This question establishes the thematic tone of the poem. What is the fate of a dream left unfulfilled?

A deferred dream might endure a withering process that diminishes its life and potential.

A deferred dream might become a source of irritation from suppressed frustrations.

Deferred dreams could turn repugnant, symbolizing the deterioration of hopes left unfulfilled.

Deferred dreams could stagnate and bitterness would be hidden by "crust" and "sugar." The segregation in society would widen.

Deferred dreams might weigh heavily on a person, causing a burden and leading to a sense of weariness.

This line introduces the possibility of a sudden, dramatic release of pent-up frustrations. The word "explode" suggests that deferring dreams could lead to a violent outcome.

Simile

1. It might lose motivation and significance over time.
2. It might become a growing source of irritation. The longer the dream is deferred, the more detrimental it is to the person.
3. It might become repugnant if untreated.
4. It might mask its bitterness underneath an attractive surface.

Metaphor

1. Compares a deferred dream to something that blows up, suggesting that it might lead to a sudden and violent outcome.

Symbol

1. The dreams deferred symbolizes the hopes and aspirations of African Americans within a society marked by racial discrimination.
2. The word "explode" symbolizes the sudden and violent outcome of deferring dreams. It served as a threat to White people if they continued to suppress the dreams of African Americans.

Hyperbole

The deferred dream stinking is an exaggeration beyond reality, emphasizing the intense negative consequences that might result from a deferred dream.

Euphemism

1. The dream is a euphemism for civil rights.

Personification

1. The deferred dream sagging suggests a sense of weariness.

Rhyme Scheme

1. The rhyme scheme is A BCDCEFE GH H.
2. The rhymes appear increasingly closer together until the explosive end, showing rising tensions.

Internal Rhyme

1. The shared "in" connects the dried up item to the cause, calling attention not just to the dried up dream, but also what caused it to be this way.
2. The duration of "ôr" and the distance between them signify the prolonged irritation of deferred dreams (and sores).

Assonance

1. The shared "ə" emphasizes the connection between the crust and the sweetness.

Consonance

1. The string of "n" sounds represents the motion of the sore running.
2. The respectively shared "r", "t", "r", and "d" of the separate ideas marks their distinct identities.

Dissonance

1. The dissonance of "k" and "t" sounds show the unpleasantness of the odor, meat, and consequence of deferring the dream.
2. The dissonant "k" and "t", creates a stark contrast between the seemingly appealing surface and the bitterness underneath.

Alliteration

1. The repeated "d" couples the words together, because up until that point, the dream had always been deferred.

Repetition

1. The repeated "Does it" and "Or" shows the speaker's seeming uncertainty about the fate of a deferred dream.

Onomatopoeia

1. Explosions can make a distinct airy "p" sound. There's a name for it: plosive!