Let America be America again.
The poet begins by expressing a desire for America to live up to its ideals and promises.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Hughes calls for a return to the aspirational dreams that once defined America.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
The poet evokes the image of America as a pioneering and trailblazing nation.
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
This line references the idea of America as a haven for those seeking freedom, especially immigrants.
(America never was America to me.)
This parenthetical line introduces a recurring theme in the poem—the acknowledgment that, for many, the American Dream has never been a reality.Short Summary of Let America Be America Again poem
Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Hughes emphasizes the importance of realizing the dreams that have inspired generations of Americans.
Let it be that great strong land of love
The poet envisions America as a land characterized by strength and love.
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
Hughes criticizes the influence of corrupt leaders and tyrants, suggesting that America should be free from such influences.
(That any man be crushed by one above.)
Another parenthetical line, highlighting the poet’s concern about oppression and inequality.
(It never was America to me.)
Reiterating the idea that the dream of America has not been a reality for everyone.
O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Hughes calls for a nation where the concept of liberty is truly embraced.
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
The poet rejects false patriotism and calls for a genuine celebration of liberty.
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Emphasizing the importance of real opportunities and genuine freedom.
Equality is in the air we breathe.
Hughes advocates for equality as a fundamental aspect of American life.
(There’s never been equality for me,
Despite the aspirational rhetoric, the poet asserts that true equality has not been realized for everyone.
Nor freedom in this “homeland of the free.”)
Highlighting the irony that freedom is not universally experienced in the so-called “homeland of the free.”
Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark?
The poet questions those who may doubt or dismiss the sentiments expressed in the poem.
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?
This line challenges those who may obscure or diminish the lofty ideals associated with America.
I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
Hughes speaks through the voice of the disenfranchised and marginalized, including poor white individuals who have been misled.
I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.
The poet also represents the African American experience, referencing the scars of slavery.
I am the red man driven from the land,
The plight of Native Americans is acknowledged, highlighting their forced displacement.
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
The poem includes the perspective of immigrants, emphasizing their dreams and aspirations.
And finding only the same old stupid plan
The disillusionment that many immigrants face when they realize that the American Dream is often elusive.
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.
Hughes critiques the dog-eat-dog mentality and the exploitation of the vulnerable.
I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
The voice of the young and optimistic is represented, highlighting the potential for positive change.
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Despite youthful hope, individuals find themselves ensnared in a seemingly unbroken cycle of inequality and oppression.
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
The poet denounces the relentless pursuit of profit, power, and land acquisition.
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
A criticism of the relentless pursuit of wealth at the expense of human needs and values.
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
The exploitation of labor is highlighted, where workers are often underpaid for their efforts.
Of owning everything for one’s own greed!
The theme of unchecked greed and the concentration of wealth is condemned.
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
The plight of the farmer, often tied to the land and facing economic struggles, is acknowledged.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
The impact of industrialization and the dehumanizing effects of machinery on the working class are discussed.Short Summary of Let America Be America Again poem
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
The continued subjugation of African Americans and their role as servants is emphasized.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean—
The collective voice of the downtrodden, emphasizing their humility, hunger, and meanness, likely borne out of their struggles.
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Despite the American Dream, there are still those who suffer from hunger and poverty.
Beaten yet today—O, Pioneers!
Acknowledging the ongoing struggles and beatings endured by those who are marginalized.
I am the man who never got ahead,
Representing individuals who, despite hard work, never achieve upward mobility or success.
The poorest worker bartered through the years.
The ongoing exploitation of the poorest workers through unfair labor practices.
Yet I’m the one who dreamt our basic dream
Despite adversity, the marginalized individual still holds onto the dream of a more just and equal America.
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
The dream of freedom and equality is traced back to the Old World, even when individuals were still under the rule of kings.
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
The strength and resilience of the dream of freedom and equality are emphasized.
That even yet its mighty daring sings
The enduring power of this dream continues to resonate and inspire.
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
The spirit of the dream is present in the very fabric of America—in its buildings, fields, and landscapes.
That’s made America the land it has become.
The dream has played a significant role in shaping America into what it is today.
O, I’m the man who sailed those early seas
