Subjects:
Paraphrase--I’m American (American pride). I represent the other half, and now you ignore me but I am getting stronger, and soon I won’t be sent away, and then you will see how beautiful I am and regret sending me away because I too am American.
Figurative language-- “Darker brother” is a symbol of the black race. “Brother” brings to mind the idea of America s a family. He is the other half of the integral relationship of brotherhood.
. . .
Theme: Desire by a suppressed people will overcome suppression. This message is a polite warning of impending equality in spite of all attempts to stop the black movement. It is intended to arouse feelings of support and pride for the black movement. “Tomorrow I’ll be at the table,” tomorrow represents a time in the near future when blacks will have equality.
Tone-- The tone towards the black audience is uplifting and encouraging. His purpose for his latter works was to recognize and advance the support for the black struggle. This can also mean the simple fact that he who sends the black man away or hides him today will still have to see him tomorrow. “lionizes” and “hide and write and study and think” (page 732). The theme is presented through the message that we (blacks) will be part of America se much as anyone else. “Send me away when company comes” brings about the idea of an embarrassing part of the family not to be talked of (for example a drunken step uncle). Hughes was wary of those who would hide his people.
Background-- Hughes was a busboy and thus served others.
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