Summary and analysis of the Poem "I, Too" by Langston Hughes.

Long Summary of the Poem "I, Too" by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes’ poem "I, Too" is a powerful assertion of dignity, equality, and the promise of change. It is a brief yet profound expression of resistance against racial discrimination, embodying the speaker’s hope for a future where racial inequality will no longer exist. The speaker in the poem represents African Americans, who, during the time Hughes wrote this poem, were subjected to segregation and oppression.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring, “I, too, sing America,” asserting their rightful place in American society, despite being marginalized. The speaker contrasts this with the treatment they receive—being sent to eat in the kitchen away from the white guests when they come to visit, symbolizing the dehumanizing segregation that African Americans faced at the time. Despite this exclusion, the speaker maintains their confidence, knowing that one day, they will be recognized as an equal.

In the second stanza, the speaker predicts that a time will come when the oppressors will regret their actions, and those who once looked down on the speaker will see them differently. The speaker will no longer be sent to the kitchen or ignored, and they will stand proud, asserting their equality. The poem ends on a note of optimism, with the speaker expressing confidence in a future where African Americans will be acknowledged and accepted as full members of society.

“I, Too” is often interpreted as a declaration of hope, pride, and the inevitable triumph of racial equality.

Line-by-Line Analysis of "I, Too"

Line 1: "I, too, sing America."

• The opening line is a strong declaration of inclusion. The speaker claims their right to participate in the American identity, challenging the societal exclusion of African Americans. “Sing America” refers to the patriotic song of the nation, indicating that African Americans are as much a part of America as any other group.

Line 2: "I am the darker brother."

• Here, the speaker identifies themselves as a Black person, distinguishing themselves by the reference to being "the darker brother" within the American family. This line highlights the racial divide but also reinforces that they are an equal part of the American collective.

Line 3: "They send me to eat in the kitchen / When company comes."

• This line directly refers to the segregation and racism of the time. The speaker is forced to eat in the kitchen, away from the guests, which symbolizes the exclusion and marginalization of Black people in society. It suggests that, despite the speaker’s inherent worth, society sees them as inferior and relegates them to a secondary position.

Line 4: "But I laugh, / And eat well, / And grow strong."

• The speaker responds to this mistreatment with defiance and resilience. Rather than being defeated, they laugh, suggesting a spirit of resistance, and they continue to thrive (“eat well” and “grow strong”). This emphasizes the inner strength and perseverance of African Americans despite the injustices they face.

Line 5: "Tomorrow, / I'll be at the table / When company comes."

• The speaker looks forward to a future where racial equality has been achieved. The "table" here represents inclusion and acceptance in the broader American society. The speaker imagines a time when they will no longer be excluded but will sit with everyone as an equal. The use of "tomorrow" conveys hope for the future.

Line 6: "Nobody'll dare / Say to me, / 'Eat in the kitchen,' / Then."

• In this line, the speaker predicts a time when their oppressors will no longer have the power to humiliate them. The phrase “Nobody’ll dare” expresses the strength that will come with racial equality, where African Americans will not be subject to racist commands or segregation.

Line 7: "Besides, / They'll see how beautiful I am / And be ashamed—"

• Here, the speaker envisions that their oppressors will eventually recognize the beauty and worth of Black people. The “they’ll see how beautiful I am” implies both a literal and metaphorical beauty—the inner strength, resilience, and humanity of African Americans that has been overlooked and devalued. The shame of the oppressors represents the inevitable realization of their wrongdoing.

Line 8: "I, too, am America."

• The poem ends by reiterating the speaker's claim to the American identity. The speaker emphasizes that, despite being marginalized, they are just as much a part of America as anyone else. This line serves as a final affirmation of equality, unity, and pride. It is a powerful statement of belonging and identity in a society that has excluded them.

Conclusion of the Analysis

Langston Hughes' "I, Too" is a poem of resistance, pride, and hope. Through the speaker’s personal experience of racial exclusion, Hughes communicates the universal experience of African Americans under segregation and racism. Yet, the poem is imbued with optimism about the future, where dignity and equality will prevail. The speaker’s confident belief that they will eventually be included, recognized, and respected reflects Hughes’ broader message of racial justice and the inevitable triumph of equality. Through this poem, Hughes not only addresses the harsh realities of racism but also affirms the intrinsic worth and beauty of Black people, making "I, Too" a powerful anthem of resilience and empowerment.