【Poem Reading Tuesday】I look at the world by Langston Hughes

I look at the world
by Langston Hughes

I look at the world
From awakening eyes in a black face—
And this is what I see:
This fenced-off narrow space   
Assigned to me.

I look then at the silly walls
Through dark eyes in a dark face—
And this is what I know:
That all these walls oppression builds
Will have to go!

I look at my own body   
With eyes no longer blind—
And I see that my own hands can make
The world that's in my mind.
Then let us hurry, comrades,
The road to find.

Source: Poetry (January 2009)

About the author
Langston Hughes | Poetry Foundation

 

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ChatGPT Poem Analysis:

This poem by Langston Hughes, titled "I Look at the World," is a poignant exploration of identity, oppression, and the power of self-realization and action. Let's break it down stanza by stanza:

The speaker begins by describing their perspective on the world through "awakening eyes in a black face." This line immediately establishes a sense of racial consciousness and suggests a personal awakening to the realities of their existence. The "fenced-off narrow space" symbolizes the constraints and limitations imposed upon them by society due to their race.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the barriers and boundaries they face ("silly walls") through the lens of their racial identity ("dark eyes in a dark face"). Despite these obstacles, the speaker asserts a profound understanding that oppression is temporary and that these walls will inevitably be dismantled.

The third stanza shifts focus to the speaker's own body and the realization that their hands have the power to shape the world according to their vision. This reflects a sense of agency and empowerment, contrasting with the earlier portrayal of confinement and oppression.

The concluding stanza calls for action ("let us hurry, comrades") in pursuit of a better world. The use of "comrades" suggests solidarity and collective struggle against oppression. The urgency conveyed in the final line, "The road to find," underscores the importance of actively working towards liberation and change.

Overall, the poem captures the journey from awakening consciousness to empowered action, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and collective effort in the face of oppression. Hughes's use of vivid imagery and concise language effectively conveys the complexities of identity and the struggle for freedom and equality.