Looking at the poem superficially, the first struggle seems to be between the lives of a white man and a black man, racial tension indeed being part of this poem’s theme. However, Hughes may have been attempting to set up the contrast between the difficult life of African Americans of his time and the possibilities of a brighter, egalitarian future. Line 7 reads “tomorrow,” obviously meaning the passage of time, despite not knowing how long segregation may last. While in the future, the narrator has the strength to stand up for himself, until then, he must lead a timid life. The future, without oppression, is one in which equality is amongst everyone, and people realize the beauty and contributions of African Americans to the culture of America.
Explain the contrast that Hughes sets up in the poem “I, Too.”
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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Explain the contrast that Hughes sets up in the poem “I, Too.”." November 23, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/explain-the-contrast-that-hughes-sets-up-in-the-poem-i-too/.
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Academic.Tips. "Explain the contrast that Hughes sets up in the poem “I, Too.”." November 23, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/explain-the-contrast-that-hughes-sets-up-in-the-poem-i-too/.
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"Explain the contrast that Hughes sets up in the poem “I, Too.”." Academic.Tips, 23 Nov. 2022, academic.tips/question/explain-the-contrast-that-hughes-sets-up-in-the-poem-i-too/.