Symbolism in 'Dreams' by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes (1901-1967) was a prominent poet of Modern era. His poetry is a promulgation of the Harlem Renaissance Movement which is a voice for the equal rights for the Blacks living in Harlem, America.

Langston Hughes’ famous poem ‘Dreams’ is a representative voice of African Americans who have been facing racial inequality in America for long. The word, dream, is recurrent in this poem which inculcates, among the Blacks, the importance of holding onto dreams despite challenges.

"Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly."

In this stanza, dreams symbolize the driving force behind human ambition and progress. Without dreams, life becomes a "broken-winged bird"—a powerful metaphor for a life without direction, purpose, or the ability to rise above adversity. The broken-winged bird symbolizes the despair and helplessness that come after losing aspirations.

“Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.”

Then he talks about barren field frozen with snow which symbolizes a life devoid of growth, potential, and vitality. It represents the bleakness and stagnation that result when dreams are abandoned. The imagery of a barren, frozen field conveys a sense of lifelessness and the loss of possibilities, further emphasizing the crucial role of dreams in sustaining hope and resilience, Hughes uses the symbol of dreams to convey the message that without hope and ambition, life loses its meaning and potential. The poem serves as a call to preserve and maintain faith in the future.

To conclude, Langston Hughes has tried to awake awareness among the hope losing Africans who are living in Harlem, America. He has prompted them to be strong and embrace resilience which is a powerful weapon against brutality.