Symbolism in 'Dreams' by Langston Hughes

  Langston Hughes (1901-1967) was a prominent poet of Modern era. His poetry is a promulgation of the Harlem Renaissance Movement which is a voice for the equal rights for the Blacks living in Harlem, America. Langston Hughes’ famous poem ‘Dreams’ is a representative voice of African Americans who have been facing racial inequality in America for long. The word, dream, is recurrent in this poem which inculcates, among the Blacks, the importance of holding onto dreams despite challenges.   "Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly." In this stanza, dreams symbolize the driving force behind human ambition and progress. Without dreams, life becomes a "broken-winged bird"—a powerful metaphor for a life without direction, purpose, or the ability to rise above adversity. The broken-winged bird symbolizes the despair and helplessness that come after losing aspirations.   “Hold fast to dreams For when dreams ...