'Still Here' by Langston Hughes

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I been scared and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.Snow has friz me,Sun has baked me,Looks like between 'em they doneTried to make meStop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'--But I don't care!I'm still here!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Still Here by Langston Hughes: A Timeless Poem

As I read the poem "Still Here" by Langston Hughes, I can't help but feel like I am transported to a different time and place. The poem is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find some light if we just keep moving forward. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the many themes and motifs present in this classic piece of poetry.

Background

Langston Hughes was a prominent American poet, novelist, and playwright who lived during the 20th century. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music. Hughes was known for his powerful and evocative poetry, which often explored themes of identity, race, and the human experience.

"Still Here" was published in 1945 as part of Hughes' collection of poems titled "The Dream Keeper and Other Poems." The poem is a reflection on the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans in the United States during the early 20th century. It is a powerful commentary on the racism, prejudice, and discrimination that were rampant during that time.

Poetic Devices

Before we delve into the themes and motifs present in "Still Here," let us first take a closer look at the poetic devices used by Langston Hughes. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow any particular rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a more conversational tone and allows the poet to convey his message in a more natural and organic way.

Hughes also uses a number of other poetic devices in the poem, including repetition, alliteration, and imagery. The repetition of the phrase "I've been scarred and battered" throughout the poem serves to emphasize the pain and suffering that the speaker has endured. The use of alliteration in phrases like "barely broken" and "worn with the wind" adds a musical quality to the poem, while also creating a sense of movement and change.

Finally, the imagery used in the poem is particularly powerful. The stark contrast between the speaker's present circumstances and the beauty of nature is striking. The image of the speaker "still climbing mountains" despite being "barely broken" is a testament to their strength and resilience.

Themes and Motifs

Now, let us turn our attention to the themes and motifs present in "Still Here." One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of resilience. The speaker has been "scarred and battered" by life, but they refuse to give up. Instead, they keep climbing mountains and moving forward, even when it seems like there is no hope.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of endurance. The speaker has been through a lot, but they are still here. They are still standing, still breathing, and still striving for a better life. This theme is particularly significant given the historical context of the poem. During the early 20th century, African Americans faced incredible obstacles and hardships, including racism, segregation, and poverty. Despite these challenges, they endured and persevered.

The motif of nature is also present throughout the poem. The speaker compares themselves to a tree that has been "worn with the wind" but still stands strong. This image of nature serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and endurance. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can draw strength and inspiration from the natural world around us.

Finally, the poem also explores the idea of identity. The speaker is proud of their heritage and their identity as an African American, despite the discrimination and prejudice they have faced. They refuse to let others define them or dictate their path in life. This theme of self-determination and self-definition is a recurring motif in Hughes' poetry.

Interpretation

As I read and interpret "Still Here," I can't help but feel a sense of admiration for the speaker's strength and perseverance. Despite all the hardships they have faced, they refuse to give up. They are still climbing mountains, still striving for a better life, and still proud of who they are.

I also see the poem as a commentary on the resilience of the African American community. During the early 20th century, African Americans faced incredible obstacles and hardships, but they endured and persevered. The speaker's struggles and triumphs are a testament to the strength and resilience of this community.

At the same time, the poem is also a reminder of the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by African Americans today. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Still Here" is a powerful and timeless poem that explores themes of resilience, endurance, identity, and the human experience. Langston Hughes' use of poetic devices and imagery serves to create a vivid and evocative portrait of the speaker's struggles and triumphs. The poem is a testament to the strength and resilience of the African American community, both in the past and in the present. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find some light if we just keep moving forward.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Still Here: A Timeless Classic by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes is a name that resonates with poetry enthusiasts all over the world. His works have been celebrated for their simplicity, depth, and relevance to the African American experience. One of his most famous poems, "Poetry Still Here," is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers to this day. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, structure, and significance.

The poem "Poetry Still Here" was first published in 1949 in the collection "One-Way Ticket." It is a short, four-line poem that packs a powerful punch. The poem reads:

"Poetry, I say, is still here, Like a moon shining in the sky, Like a sun rising over the mountains, Like a blackbird in a tree."

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is much more to this poem than meets the eye.

The first line of the poem, "Poetry, I say, is still here," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a statement of defiance and resilience. Despite the challenges and obstacles that poetry may face, it remains a vital and enduring art form. The use of the word "still" emphasizes the longevity of poetry and its ability to withstand the test of time.

The second line of the poem, "Like a moon shining in the sky," is a metaphor that compares poetry to the moon. The moon is a symbol of beauty, mystery, and wonder. It is a constant presence in the sky, even when it is not visible. Similarly, poetry is always present, even when it is not in the forefront of our minds. The moon also has a cyclical nature, with its phases changing over time. This could be seen as a metaphor for the evolution of poetry over time, as it adapts and changes to reflect the times.

The third line of the poem, "Like a sun rising over the mountains," is another metaphor that compares poetry to the sun. The sun is a symbol of warmth, light, and hope. It rises every day, bringing light to the world and dispelling darkness. Similarly, poetry has the power to bring light and hope to people's lives. It can inspire, uplift, and motivate. The image of the sun rising over the mountains also suggests a sense of triumph and victory, as if poetry has overcome the obstacles in its path.

The final line of the poem, "Like a blackbird in a tree," is a metaphor that compares poetry to a blackbird. The blackbird is a symbol of freedom, creativity, and individuality. It is a bird that is known for its beautiful song and its ability to soar through the air. Similarly, poetry is a form of creative expression that allows individuals to express themselves freely and uniquely. The image of the blackbird in a tree also suggests a sense of rootedness and stability, as if poetry is firmly grounded in the world.

The structure of the poem is also significant. It is a short, four-line poem with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure emphasizes the simplicity and clarity of the poem's message. It also makes the poem easy to remember and recite, which adds to its enduring appeal.

The significance of "Poetry Still Here" lies in its message of resilience and endurance. It is a poem that celebrates the power and beauty of poetry, even in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or decoration, but a vital and necessary part of the human experience. It is a call to action for poets and poetry enthusiasts to continue to create and share their work, even when it may seem difficult or unpopular.

In conclusion, "Poetry Still Here" is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers to this day. Its message of resilience and endurance is as relevant now as it was when it was first published over 70 years ago. It is a reminder that poetry is a vital and enduring art form that has the power to inspire, uplift, and motivate. As Langston Hughes wrote, "Poetry, I say, is still here." And we can be grateful for that.

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