Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HARLEM by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT HAPPENS TO A DREAM DEFERRED
Last Line: Or does it explode?
Subject(s): AFRICAN AMERICANS; DREAMS; GAYS & LESBIANS; MEN; RACISM; NEGROES; AMERICAN BLACKS; NIGHTMARES; HOMOEROTICISM; LESBIANS; GAY WOMEN; GAY MEN; RACIAL PREJUDICE; BIGOTRY;
Full Poem Text Available at
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46548/harlem


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