Dreams deferred!

It seems Hughes is laughing at society's use of false alternatives in how it defines concepts and then wishes others to follow.  It does not direct one to one of the better questions that people often do not ask.  Does a human come up with its own idea of what a dream is? or are they taught only to have expectations and value judgements of themselves based on the definition that does not fit them but MUST. 

This is evident in the Alice Walker piece.  The author set up the characters each to have ideas about themselves, their worth, and how far out into real life, and stereotyped life because of some level of achievement by having moved from one 'level' to another.  These levels appeared more to have been set from the outside rather than the internal.  Thus, they are not correct, only an impression and an expectation of the world reached.

This is one of my favorite poems…remember he is a black man that lives in a world that allows no men dreams(pre I have a Dream)…have long can a dream be deferred? And the idea of him asking questions is to perhaps ask his reader to consider the way he and other must live i na society that does not accept them.

Removing the time period and also the idea he is stifled…I think you personally can relate to this poem, since you grew up in a time of “secrets”…our age bracket can relate to this in many ways…one could not fully express themselves, there was much hidden…

I like elisa’s answer too..

These pieces are meant to inspire critical thinking…the “problem is” people look at the damn things and freeze up! There MUST be a right answer! Aha, this is not always so…if you can find evidence in the piece…there you go!

How do we defer our dreams when we are busting at the seams to follow them? What happens to them? Do they dry up, stink etc? Do we lose them…how long do we hang onto them?

I did not read Walkers piece, but since she is also living the same reality as Hughes, and is a black woman, there may be similar themes..

Think in terms of your experience Jeff…have your dreams ever been deferred?

:)

You are doing fine. Trust yourself.

My youngest son's favorite poet.
Thanks

This is too cool Jeff… you are right there is a direct connection to my post about  a vision not lived remains only a dream . I knew neither of these pieces and really like the background information Aley that places the poem within a specific context. Well,  good luck with your assignment! And living your vision:)

This is a thought-provoking post in a blog that I would like to ruminate on myself.  I love the answers from the readers and friends.  This is a link to Alice Walker's short story it is inside the book,
click here 
In such a short poem Hughes was able to convey the vaster world that Alice Walker is subjected to and yet with different times both are writing about social issues affecting one when their heritage and values play an important role in their values.