Langston Hughes and the Allusion to Walt Whitman

What is the connection between Langston Hughes's "I, Too, Sing America" and Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing"?

How does Langston Hughes reference Walt Whitman in his poem?

Answer

Hughes’s poem uses Whitman’s idea that all Americans are important members of this country’s society.

Langston Hughes, a prominent African American poet during the Harlem Renaissance, paid tribute to Walt Whitman, one of the most influential American poets, in his poem "I, Too, Sing America." The connection between Hughes's poem and Whitman's "I Hear America Singing" lies in the underlying theme of inclusivity and equality.

In "I Hear America Singing," Whitman celebrates the diverse voices and contributions of the American people, emphasizing the beauty in their individuality. Similarly, Hughes's poem reflects on the struggles and resilience of African Americans in asserting their rightful place in American society. By alluding to Whitman's poem, Hughes acknowledges the importance of all Americans, regardless of race, in shaping the nation's identity.

Through this connection, Hughes demonstrates a sense of unity and solidarity with Whitman's vision of a diverse and inclusive America. Both poets use their works to highlight the richness of American culture and the value of every individual's voice in the collective chorus of the nation.