Introduction
The selected poems, “Sanctuary” and “Let America Be America Again,” deal with freedom, identity, and overcoming adversity. With their moving writing, the authors illuminate the lives of America’s most oppressed citizens. Symbolism, tone, recurring themes, and imagery are some literary devices examined in this article. One may learn more about the poets’ messages and the importance of their poetry by looking at these aspects.
Themes
Themes are conveyed in both poems through rich imagery and symbolism. Baca portrays the wind in Sanctuary as a “West Texas tent evangelist” (line 5) and “preaches” (line 9), representing chaos and discontent. The speaker lives in a chaotic and harsh world, and this personification of the wind underscores that. The picture of the thunder gunshots chasing after the “neighing black stallions of rain” (line 15) and the “horse pasture gates / clank their crimes” (lines 13-14) intensifies the feeling of danger and fury.
Similarly, Hughes depicts the sufferings of many oppressed groups through striking imagery. By using expressions like “the Negro bearing slavery’s scars” (line 2) and “the red man driven from the land” (line 3), Hughes vividly depicts the historical injustices that these groups endured. Scenes from “dark Ireland’s shore” (line 47), “Poland’s plain” (line 48), and “Black Africa’s strand” (line 49) bring to life the varied backgrounds of those who came to the United States in search of safety and independence.
Repetition
Both poems heavily use repetition to drive home their points and emphasize key points. Baca creates an eerie theme by repeating “Ssshhh mejito” (lines 23, 28). This repetition emphasizes the speaker’s heartfelt plea for peace and for the protection of those who have taken shelter with them. The recurrence of “sinnn… sinn… sinn…” (line 8) and “All night wind” (lines 3-4, 9) further adds to the poem’s foreboding atmosphere, mirroring the protagonists’ encounters with harsh reality.
Hughes often uses the phrase “Let America be” (lines 4, 5, 61) to express a desire for a more inclusive, improved America. By reiterating this statement, the author underscores the gap between the lived realities of downtrodden people and the American dream. It is worth noting that such a phrase as “The millions who have nothing for our pay” occurs several times in the poem (lines 54, 59). This artistic technique is used to draw attention to economic struggles and disparity. The author emphasizes the role that unfulfilled promises of opportunity and equality played in people’s lives.
Tone
In analyzing the poems, I also identified tone as one of the most important elements of the narrative. Hence, in Sanctuary, Baca shows emotions ranging from hopelessness to urgency to perseverance. I was particularly impressed by how the author describes dedication, which manifests as a desire to help others despite difficult economic and social circumstances. These matters show the cultural and social changes that took place in society and were so desired by people.
The speaker’s dedication to their community’s welfare is evident in this tone. Hughes resorts to the same tone, which elicits emotions such as optimism, rage, and frustration. I also noted that the poem focuses on the speaker’s criticism of the American system. At the same time, he has an unshakable faith in the potential for transformation. The poem includes an open call to action to create an equitable society and return to the American ideal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, analyzing Hughes’s and Baca’s poems offered an opportunity to better understand the difficulties endured by America’s most vulnerable population groups. Hughes’s and Baca’s poems are prime examples of moving poetry that masterfully employ a range of literary devices to engage readers. These literary tools include imagery, symbolism, repetition, and tone.
While the main purpose of Hughes’ poem is to criticize the American dream’s failed promises, Baca’s poetry focuses on the anarchy and brutality of people who seek peace and safety. The examination of these poems provided an opportunity to recognize the difficulties marginalized people faced and the necessity of societal transformation.
Works Cited
Baca, Jimmy. “Sanctuary.” Poetry Foundation, 1989.
Hughes, Langston. “Let America Be America Again.” Poetry Foundation, 1995.