Harlem

The poem’s title suggests that the speaker might be from Harlem or someone who is interested in the place. The speaker comes up with a question – “What happens to a dream deferred?” (l. 1) – and tries to suggest possible answers. There is no sign of the speaker’s involvement in the answers, which makes the questions sound detached, yet analytical. Therefore, the speaker seems to be both curious and detached. At the same time, the speaker could be seen as a representation of the people of Harlem.

The last stanza, which consists of the verse “Or does it explode?” (l. 11) suggests that the speaker puts more thought into this final possibility. The last verse is written in italics, which implies that the speaker is more emotionally involved in this answer. At the same time, the stylistic choice suggests that the last answer might be the right one.