Poem 4: Dreams

Poem

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow. 

About the Author

     James Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902, in Joplin; Missouri. It was in Lincoln, Illinois, that Hughes began writing poetry. Following graduation, he spent a year in Mexico and a year at Columbia University. During these years, he held odd jobs as an assistant cook, launderer, and a busboy, and traveled to Africa and Europe working as a seaman.
In November 1924, he moved to Washington, D.C. Hughes's first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1926. He finished his college education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania three years later. In 1930 his first novel, “Not without Laughter”, won the Harmon gold medal for literature.
      In addition to leaving us a large body of poetic work, Hughes wrote eleven plays and countless works of prose, including the well-known “Simple” books: Simple Speaks His Mind, Simple Stakes a Claim, Simple Takes a Wife, and Simple's Uncle Sam.

Personal Response

     “Dreams” by Langston Hughes is a very short and straightforward poem. It specifically talks about what an individual must do to uphold their dreams. Langston is basically giving an advice to the teenagers and even the upcoming adults of the future.
      For me, I truly love this poem. It only consists of eight lines. But what I found amazing is that it has such deeper meanings and emotions. Hughes is an amazing poet. For some unusual reason, this poem suddenly inspires me. The poem “Dreams” is my everyday motivation. I don’t look at this poem like all the other basic poems. This is my starting point, my guide. I shall cherish this poem. Conquer the world before my very eyes. I will succeed.
      I have a 21 year old brother who still seems so lost in life. He does not know what he will pursue as a career. In fact, he’s still in college. I’m trying my best to not follow his path. I’m creating my own; a unique road. I will reach my dreams of becoming a medic. I’m determined. Nothing will stop me. And if they have the boldness, I’ll constantly triumph.
     These simple words really ignite hope to our mind, fill courage in our soul, and awake our capabilities. Each time I read it, it truly uplifts my confidence and faith on me. It calls for energize our self with realistic dreams and unleash our potential to conquer our world. It is like a candle light for desperate and broken minds. It’s astonishing how Hughes says so much, inspires so many, with so less. 

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: The title "Dreams" can mean so much things. Such as what it take to accomplish or reach a dream. Qualities you must have to reach one. How to accomplish a dream/goal.

Paraphrase:
Hold fast to dreams
If dreams die
Life is a broken-winged eagle
That is flightless.
Hold fast to dreams
If dreams go
Life is a empty field
Nothing but snow.

Connotations:
1. Structure - Octave (8 lines stanza) Rhyme Scheme -- ABCB ABCB Meter -- Iambic Dimeter. Punctuation -- period and hyphen.
2. Speaker - a wise poet, Audience -- determined individuals pursuing their dreams
3. Figurative Language - Metaphor (Life is a broken-winged bird... Life is a barren field.) Personification (For if dreams die)
4. Imagery - Sight (Frozen with snow... Life is a broken-winged bird... Life is a barren field) Touch (Frozen with snow) 
5. Repetition - Hold fast to dreams...

Attitude:
wise, outspoken, inspirational, and motivating.

Title: Reading back to this poem, it briefly gives you an explanation of how hope and determination works when reaching a goal/dream. Without hope and determination, most people wouldn't even come close to their dreams. Hope is that tiny little matter that helps you go through a day. Hope motivates you to do as you will. Determination is what keeps you going. Persistence and encouragement is what people should have if they wish to reach their dreams. This poem serves as a motivation to people who desires to accomplish their goal. There is so much meaning to this poem with so little to say. 

Theme: Never give up on your dreams.

References (APA-6)

Hughes, L. (2003). Poem Hunters. Dreams. Website. Retrieved from 
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dreams-2/