I, Too, Sing America
Poetry
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Langston Hughes
I, Too, Sing America Poem
I, Too
By Langston Hughes
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
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I, Too, Sing America Literary Device
Symbols
Eating, Kitchen, and Table: Hughes uses the act of eating as a symbol of equality. The Black speaker says he is sent to eat in the kitchen when guests come.
“They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes.”
So, the speaker eats in the kitchen. It means he suffers from racial inequality. But instead of crying, he laughs, eats well, and grows strong. He hopes that one day, he will eat...
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I, Too, Sing America Summary
This short but powerful poem expresses the strong hope, pride, and confidence of African-Americans in the face of racial inequality. The speaker represents all Black people in America. He begins by saying, “I, too, sing America.” This means he is also a part of the American nation. He is also an American citizen, just like all the black Americans. He is “the darker brother.” He is also a part of t...
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I, Too, Sing America Theme
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, L...
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I, Too, Sing America Quotations
Important Quotes
“I, too, sing America.”
Exp: The speaker says he is also a part of America. He, too, shares in the nation’s dreams and hopes. It means Black people are equal citizens of America.
“I am the darker brother.”
Exp: The speaker calls himself the darker brother to show he belongs to the same nation — America. The word “brother” means unity and equality. It reminds us that skin color...
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Notes
Explore 2 detailed notes related to I, Too, Sing America. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.