The narrator
The narrator of the poem, who is perhaps author Langston Hughes himself, is a Black man who is wrestling with racism. He dreams of a life where he can freely express himself through his voice and through "dancing" and "whirling" as the day turns into night. This dream suggests that the man, as well as many other Black people, wants to be free from racism and outside societal constraints. Additionally, the narrator identifies with the darkness of the night, which is symbolic of his Black heritage. He is deeply connected to his heritage and wishes to remain positive about it despite the unfavorable conditions he must undergo.
Most significantly, the narrator considers that humanity is cyclical; his thoughts reflect this. He realizes that there is a significant difference between the night and the day, and people change according to the time of day they are in. This understanding acknowledges the joys and challenges of the narrator's life, yearning for a world where his dreams of freedom and self-expression are realized and even encouraged.
Racism
Although racism isn't a traditional character, it looms large over the poem. It shapes the life and trajectory of the narrator and all Black people. Racism has prevented Black people from spreading their culture and living their lives throughout the day—not just at night.
Racism takes many forms, from overt actions like hate crimes to more covert actions like systemic racism. It impacts the narrator and all Black people and affects their psyche and identity. In "Dream Variations," racism is more covert but is evident in the way that the narrator describes his life and having to hide himself in the "night," which is the narrator's "dream."
