Figurative Language Poetry #2

6.
The purpose of the poem "Dream Deffered" is to never give up on one's dreams. The best thing to do is if a person has a dream, then they should pursue this without hesitation. Giving up on dreams leaves for the forever thoughts of "what if". Also, there can be many possible consequences that can happen if dreams are put off. The poem expands on this particular component of the theme. Through the similies and metaphor, the poet effectively conveys these consequences. Since Langston Hughes was a poet during the Harlem Renaissance, it is safe to assume this dream he refers to is that of Civil Rights and racial freedoms. The similie "Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?"(Line1-2) says that putting off a dream can cause the overall lose and inablity to achieve the goal. The dream could dry up, or lose fruitfulness. The Harlem Renaissance was the perfect time to go for their dream of equality. By missing the perfect opportunity, one could ultimately lose the entire chance since it could never be a major concern or big issue to people again. They were in the light and everyone was behind as a full force. They had not been brought down, so the best time to go for their dream was at that moment. Another example of how this theme was effectively explained and supported in the poem was through the similie "Does it stink like rotten meat?" (line 6). This similie serves to say that if you do not do it now (work to achieve the dream), then it will haunt you forever. The smell of meat lingers even after being thrown out. They may try to push it in the back of their mind, but everyone would know of the lost opportunity and regert for not taking it when they could. There are more examples, but these are two I found really strong.