Introduction
Walt Whitman presents an idyllic vision of American life through “I Hear America Singing” (1860). The piece of poetry covers every corner of the nation introducing the reader to all sorts of works, from housewives to farmers to show makers. As the audience makes an imaginary journey traveling through these professions and places, they build the portrait of the United States as a country that provides fulfillment and joy in honest labor and productivity (Ahamed, 2021). Additionally, the poem recognizes the pride and dignity of every laborer in the US in their right, weaving them together to create a united America.
Whitman includes all genders in his poem when he acknowledges the significant contributions of women to the country. Although the speaker limits the role of women to washing and sewing, the fact that he mentions women is notable considering the struggle and oppression women have undergone in America (Ahamed, 2021). American society largely excluded women from political life when Whitman wrote the poem. Whiteman’s vision was for everyone to create and sing the American son, irrespective of their gender, class, location, and age. His vision resembles the American Dream of prosperity, equality, and team spirit. Society forms the fabric of America, and singing the American song together makes the society America.
Langston Hughes “I, Too” (1926)
“I, Too” (1926) by Langstone Hughes addresses American identity and racism in American society. In other words, the verse is a protest against racism in the US. It is clear from the lamentation of the speaker, a Blackman, who speaks of how the black race is excluded from society (Zídková, 2021). The audience learns from the speaker how Black people are opposed to segregation and racial injustice. The American tradition and culture are so powerful that they oblige the White race to recognize Blackman’s contribution to American history. The poem explains how people of color are authentically Americans and make significant contributions to American society. The speaker illusions the composition “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman when he begins by saying, “I, too, sing America”. According to Whitman, America is a song that combines choruses of men and women of all walks.
However, his vision of American society and life excludes the black race, and the writings (poem) mention nothing about slavery and the slave trade. The speaker believes that black people should also be recognized in the American song (Zídková, 2021). Democracy by Langstone Hughes was written in 1949 when black people were still experiencing segregation, extreme racism, and disenfranchisement. From the book, the audience learns that until everyone is equal and free, true democracy cannot be practiced in the US. To realize true democracy, people should struggle collectively for change. Freedom and equality are fundamental rights that blacks are denied in the US, and American society cannot be democratic without freedom and equality for all. According to the poem, democracy is a future that needs to be realized.
Margaret Walker “For My People” (1942)
“For My People” (1942) by Margaret Walker is a poem that will never lose relevance in the history of humankind. The poem is articulated in incognito mode, making it a mystery to the audience’s imagination. The author paints an irrevocable and deep meaning as the phrase, “For My People” roves the poem’s stanzas. The poem’s image, theme, structure, and title are metamorphic from the beginning to the end. Margaret Walker makes various comparisons disclosing the meaning of freedom fighting, racism, servitude, and slavery (Walker, 2019). The poem tailors the audience’s mind with images that speak to the hearts. I consider the poem a freedom song and a childhood memory preserved with untamed realism and speech eloquence.
References
Ahamed, M. F. (2021). Poems Of Whitman: A Complete Reflection Of American Consciousness. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education (TURCOMAT), 12(12), 3929-3935.
Walker, M. (2019). For my people. Yale University Press.
Zídková, P. (2021). Tier-y Blues: Langston Hughes’s Poetics of Blackness.