Question

How does the word “dusky” (line 9) contribute to the theme of the poem?

Answer 1

The word "dusky" contribute to the theme of the poem is given below.

Explanation:

1.Langston Hughes's poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" connects the African-American race to rivers, especially ancient rivers, to show the value of the African race. Rivers fertilize soil and offer fresh drinking water, making rivers a valuable source for sustaining life. All rivers he names in the poem are famous for the fertility and even economic prosperity they provide. Most of the rivers he names are also associated with Africa or the African-American race. Hence, Hughes is using the ancient rivers as symbols of prosperity connected with Africa to show the value of the African race.He repeats that he has known “ancient, dusky rivers,” and his soul has grown deep like the rivers.

2.He has known rivers and that his soul has come to be as deep as a river. Then he explains to us just how that transformation took place. He must be one ancient man, because he has been around for thousands of years. He used to go swimming the Euphrates River when Earth was just a baby. He lived near the Congo River in central Africa. He helped to build the pyramids in Egypt almost four thousand years ago. He heard the Mississippi River sing when President Abraham Lincoln took a boat ride down to New Orleans. He tells us again that he has known lots of ancient, dusky rivers, and that his soul has become as deep as these rivers.