Dreams by Langston Hughes

Dreams - Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Analysis:

“Dreams” by Langston Hughes is one of his shorter poems, but contains an important message. Hughes sees dreams as a form of direction and goal setting for people. “Life is a broken-winged bird…That cannot fly.” Hughes points out how plain life is without dreams by using the broken-winged bird as a metaphor. Throughout this poem the writer compares how boring life is and then with dreams anyone can make their lives change.

There is no rhyme scheme for this poem however; there is a consistent repetition of Hughes pointing out dreams being important for two stanzas and then two stanzas after that describing life as something plain. “For when dreams go…Life is a barren field.” This passage is describing how if dreams were lost life would be plain and predictable.

“Hold fast to dreams.” Hughes is saying that when you have a goal or dream in mind, you should hold on to it. The message is clear for what Hughes is trying to portray, dreams create goals and make life for anyone that much more exciting and interesting.