In which poem does Langston Hughes reference a dream being deferred?

Enhance your poetry comprehension with the NAQT Poetry Test. Solidify concepts with dynamic questions, hints, and explanations. Prepare for excellence!

The poem in which Langston Hughes references a dream being deferred is "Harlem." In this work, Hughes poses the central question, "What happens to a dream deferred?" and explores various metaphoric outcomes: whether it "dries up like a raisin in the sun," "festers like a sore," or "explodes." This poem addresses the themes of aspiration, unfulfilled potential, and the impact of societal constraints on African Americans, making the idea of a deferred dream particularly poignant within the context of the Harlem Renaissance and the struggles for racial equality.

The other poems listed do not focus on this concept. "Gerontion" and "The Hollow Men" by T.S. Eliot present different themes related to disillusionment and the fragmentation of post-war society, while "Four Quartets" also delves into ideas of time and existence but does not specifically address deferred dreams as Hughes does in "Harlem." Thus, Hughes' work is distinctive for its exploration of the implications of unfulfilled dreams in a very direct and impactful manner.

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