Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing By Walt Whitman

In contrasting or comparing literary works it is crucial that the reader analyze the authors voice to gain a better understanding of the theme they are implying. In the contrast between the poems â€Å"I, too, sing America† by Langston Hughes, and â€Å"I hear America singing† by Walt Whitman it is clear that the two poets have very different point of views regarding American patriotism. Walt Whitman’s views on America’s joy and peace in his poems are very straightforward, while Langston Hughes poem--a response to Whitman’s--wants the reader to acknowledge what America should be like for everyone, including people of color such as himself. The authors of these poems prove to have conflicting judgements on matters in America including a theme of†¦show more content†¦Not only do their tones signify why the poems are so distinctive but they make it obvious to the speaker what they are both trying to say. Langston Hughes at first talks about ho w they send him to eat in the kitchen and towards the end of the poem he says, â€Å". . . Nobody’ll dare Say to me, â€Å"Eat in the kitchen,† Then . . .† (ll. 11-14). He is defying what people like Whitman have to say and in the process showing that their actions are wrong and that he will not stand for it. Moreover, he confronts Whitman’s idea of America’s perfectness. Unlike Hughes, Whitman’s tone is a lot more clear. He mentions the words, â€Å". . . young fellows, robust, friendly . . .† (ll. 17-18) . Whitman also mentions the line, â€Å". . . Singing with their mouths their strong melodious songs.† (l. 18) . His tone is clearly happy and joyful, and while it is quite obvious that his voice is merry, it’s also laced with ignorance toward the real situation of everyone struggling with their work, old and young, man or woman. His own utopia causes him to see America for what it isn’t, while Hughes understands the struggle of everyday Americans, even not being considered one himself. Furthermore, it allows him to think about what can change in America in the future. The futuristic visions the poets hold say a great deal about them and their patriotism. Walt Whitman shows omission to the subject and doesn’t mention any type of future for America in his poem. He says, â€Å"I hearShow MoreRelatedThe Difference Between Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing998 Words   |  4 PagesIn this essay I will be talking about the differences between Walt Whitmans poem â€Å" I Hear America Singing† and Langston Hughes poem â€Å" I, Too, Sing America†. I will also be giving my opinion on whether or not Langston Hughes is responding to Walt Whitmans poem. Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and a columnist from Joplin, Missouri. 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