"To fling my arms wide / In some place of the sun."
In these lines, the speaker yearns for the freedom to express themselves openly and joyfully. This is symbolized by the act of flinging their arms wide. They desire to bask in the warmth and light of a metaphorical "place of the sun," which represents a world of equality and acceptance. These lines set the tone for the entire poem. The act of stretching one's arms wide suggests an eagerness to break free from constraints and embrace life fully. It underscores the longing for a world where African Americans can shed the burdens of racial discrimination and prejudice. The use of enjambment propels the reader's eye and voice from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of fluidity and urgency in the expression of the speaker's desires.
"While night comes on gently, / Dark like me—"
The speaker describes the onset of the night in a calm manner comparing it to his blackness. This comparison between night and skin color conveys a sense of unity within the natural world. These lines emphasize the theme of self-identity. In that, the speaker sees their blackness as a beautiful part of themselves just as nightfall is peaceful. This comparison challenges negative stereotypes associated with darkness and blackness conveying a message of pride in one's racial identity. The quote resonates with themes of freedom, identity, and hope expressing the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
"That is my dream!"
The central theme in the quote is the dream itself, which represents the aspirations and hopes of the speaker. The speaker declares it with fervor making it clear that this dream is of utmost significance. The exclamation mark at the end of the phrase adds an element of excitement and intensity to the statement. Moreover, the brevity and simplicity contribute to the poem's overall impact. It is a direct statement leaving no room for ambiguity or doubt. Furthermore, the possessiveness highlights that the dream also belongs to the speaker. In essence, the dream represents a longing for personal and collective freedom. When Hughes wrote this poem, African Americans faced systemic racism, segregation, and discrimination. The dream reflects the desire to break free from these oppressive social structures and experience true freedom.
