Themes

Racial Inequality : A major theme in “I, Too” is racial inequality. The poem shows how Black people are treated unfairly in America. The speaker says he is sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. This means that white people separate him because of his color. But instead of feeling sad, he laughs and grows strong. He believes that one day, everyone will see his worth. Through this, Langston Hughes shows the injustice of racism but also the strong hope for equality and respect.

American Identity: Another theme is American identity. The poem begins with “I, too, sing America.” This line means that the speaker is also a true American. Even though he is treated as less important, he proudly claims his place in the nation. He believes that one day, others will realize that he also belongs to America. The line “I, too, am America” means that the Black community is an essential part of the country’s history and future.