"Dream Deferred" is a stimulating poem that addresses the possible consequences that could result from deferring a dream. The author explores what might happen through highly effective visual similes and metaphors. The importance of this short poem relates to the time it was written (1951) and the ethnic background of the author (African-American). A dream is synonymous to hope, desire, goal and fantasy--something that all African-Americans in 1951 had.
             The speaker is the author himself and he addresses everyone. He describes a state of mind, exposing it through poetry. The author wants the reader to consider what feelings might result if a dream doesn't manifest, or if physical manifestation of a dream is delayed. These feelings could be even more significant if related to the hopes and dreams of the black community--a segment of the population whose dreams have been deferred since their ancestors were forced entrance into this country.
             The poem consists of eleven lines, most of which culminate in questions. Since there are no definite answers provided as a response to these questions in the prose, the reader is stimulated to think about each possibility beginning with consideration of the powerful visceral imagery, then discovering behind each metaphor the way a dream deferred might overrun or affect all areas of one's life.
             Several responses are given to the initial question: "What happens to a dream deferred?"(1), by introducing vivid similes and metaphors. "Does it dry up"(2), "Like a raisin in the sun?" (3)--perhaps describing how a dream becomes a mere remnant of itself when not put into action. "Or fester like a sore--"(4), "And then run?",--as pus would run from an infected sore to other parts of the body, so might the haunting of a deferred dream affect other parts of our psyche. "Does it stink like rotten meat?"(6),--reference to ...