Poetry Analysis
Dreams
Ashley Jones

Dreams
HOLD FAST TO DREAMS FOR IF DREAMS DIE LIFE IS A BROKEN-WINGED BIRD THAT CANNOT FLY. HOLD FAST TO DREAMS FOR WHEN DREAMS GO LIFE IS A BARREN FIELD FROZEN WITH SNOW.
LANGSTON HUGHES

LANGSTON HUGHES

• Born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri
• He was an American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright
• He was recognized as a literary figure during the Harlem Renaissance
• He was one of the first innovators of jazz poetry
• Hughes stressed a racial consciousness and cultural nationalism

ANALYSIS

• Literal meaning: To follow your dreams and to never give up
• Tone: The author is trying to show that if you don't follow
• your dreams, then life will be very boring and you will not be motivated
• Mood: Very hopeful and inspiring because the poem shows how,
• trying to follow your dreams makes your life so much more enjoyable

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

• "If dreams die"~ personification
• "Life is a broken~winged bird that cannot fly" ~metaphor
• "For when dreams go" ~personification
• "Life is a barren field frozen with snow" ~metaphor
• "Hold fast to dreams"~ personification

Figurative Meaning
You should never give up on your dreams because life will be very boring and bare because you would have nothing to look forward to and have no motivation in your life