Read the poem I, Too by Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967). Langston Hughes, an African- American author was writing in response to Walt Whitman and at a time when people of colour were oppressed in the United States. As you read, make notes of the negative aspects of America that the poem highlights.
I, Too
by Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,” Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed—
I, too, am America. COMMUNICATION After Reading MANAGING MYSELF
Check your understanding 1. Who is the speaker in this poem? 2. Based on stanza two, how would you say the speaker feels about how he is treated?
LITERACY 3. Would you call the tone of this poem resilient or resigned? R E E L BEING CREATIVE MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING 266 WORKING WITH OTHERS 26
