Poem Analysis - Remember

A Call to Action Born from Remembrance

Langston Hughes' "Remember" is a powerful, direct, and unflinching call to action. The poem urges the reader, presumably an African American audience, to remember the past injustices of slavery and oppression, but more importantly, to transform that memory into a catalyst for change. The tone shifts from a somber reflection to an angry, accusatory condemnation, finally ending with a stark portrayal of the present consequences of historical exploitation. The poem eschews subtlety in favor of a raw, emotional appeal, designed to provoke immediate and decisive action.

The Weight of History

Langston Hughes was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of flourishing Black artistic and intellectual life in the 1920s and 30s. His work often explored the realities of Black life in America, including the legacy of slavery, racial discrimination, and the ongoing struggle for equality. "Remember" is deeply rooted in this historical context. The poem implicitly references the enduring impact of slavery and its subsequent manifestations in the Jim Crow South and other forms of systemic racism prevalent throughout the United States. The poem should be viewed as a powerful comment on the failure of Reconstruction and the continuation of injustice.

Themes of Oppression, Remembrance, and Resistance

One of the central themes is oppression. The poem vividly portrays the effects of historical and ongoing oppression through the image of the "hungry wretched thing." This image underscores the dehumanizing impact of systemic injustice on the individual. Another key theme is the importance of remembrance. Hughes stresses that remembering "the days of bondage" is not merely an act of passive reflection, but a necessary foundation for active resistance. However, the most important theme is resistance itself. The poem does not dwell on the past; instead, it urges the reader to use the past as a catalyst for change, to actively challenge the present reality of oppression.

The Symbolism of Color and Power

The poem is replete with powerful symbolism. The most prominent is the color symbolism of "white." Hughes uses "white hand," "white face," and "white power" to represent the oppressive forces that have historically subjugated African Americans. The "white hand" is not just a hand, but a "thieving hand," emphasizing the economic exploitation inherent in the legacy of slavery and subsequent discriminatory practices. Similarly, the "white face" is a "lying face," suggesting a culture of deception and broken promises. Finally, "white power" is "unscrupulous power," emphasizing its ruthless and unethical application. These images, stacked together, create a powerful symbolic representation of systemic oppression. This vivid imagery is meant to evoke a strong emotional response and to clarify the nature of the oppressor.

A Final Call to Action

"Remember" is more than a historical reflection; it is a call to action. Hughes uses stark and direct language to depict the ongoing consequences of past injustices and to inspire his audience to actively resist oppression. The poem's significance lies in its unwavering commitment to social justice and its belief in the power of collective action to transform the present. It's a reminder that the struggle for equality is not over and that remembrance must translate into tangible resistance.