Analysis

The analysis of the poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes shows that the outer composition is simple and irregular. The poem is short and has an irregular rhyming scheme. The inner composition shows that the poem takes the form of a series of questions and possible answers about what happens to a dream that is postponed.

The speaker of the poem is most likely Langston Hughes himself. The poem’s title, “Harlem”, fits the poet’s background and involvement in the Harlem Renaissance. 

The setting of the poem is Harlem. However, the poem never mentions the neighborhood or any particular places there but focuses more on the overall feeling of the place.

The language of the poem is contemporary and neutral. The poem creates a feeling of vulnerability, as well as a sense of urgency built with impactful associations. 

The poem uses several poetic devices, including rhetorical questions, similes, and symbols. These poetic devices help the author to create a sense of urgency and increase the emotion of the poem. 

You can read a more detailed analysis on the following pages.