The speaker’s tone in “Harlem” is best described as
A. frustrated.
B. conflicted.
C. joyful.
D. accepting.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The speaker’s tone in Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem” is best described as A. frustrated.
In “Harlem,” Hughes explores the theme of deferred dreams, questioning the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations, particularly in the context of African Americans in the early 20th century. The poem opens with a powerful rhetorical question: “What happens to a dream deferred?” This question immediately sets a tone of frustration, as it suggests a sense of urgency and dissatisfaction. The imagery Hughes uses—comparing a deferred dream to a raisin drying in the sun—evokes a sense of decay and disappointment. This metaphor implies that when dreams are postponed or ignored, they wither away, losing their vitality and potential.
As the poem progresses, Hughes employs a series of vivid similes, likening deferred dreams to various negative outcomes: “Does it stink like rotten meat?” and “Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet?” These comparisons convey a sense of bitterness and decay, emphasizing the frustration felt by those whose dreams remain unfulfilled. The imagery paints a grim picture of what happens when hope is suppressed, suggesting that such dreams do not simply fade away but rather transform into something unpleasant or toxic.
Furthermore, Hughes ends the poem with the line, “Or does it explode?” This climactic question underscores the intensity of the speaker’s frustration, hinting at the potential for violent consequences resulting from the prolonged denial of dreams. This rhetorical buildup suggests that the cumulative weight of deferred dreams can lead to an inevitable outburst, reflecting deep-seated anger and frustration in the face of systemic oppression.
Overall, the tone of frustration in “Harlem” captures the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals whose aspirations have been stifled, making “A. frustrated” the correct choice to describe the speaker’s tone.