Question

From the poem "Harlem" In “Harlem”, the first question the speaker asks is “What happens to a dream deferred?’ Based on the context of the poem, what is the best definition for the word deferred?
1. hidden
2.exploded
3. put off
4. fulfilled

Answer 1

In this poem “Harlem”, the writer points at a simple question about dreams and the consequences faced when dreams are postponed and ignored. Hughes had seen multiple dreams of the people of the state crumble and shatter as the devastating WWII overshadowed many lives in the country. Moreover, he was deeply affectionate to the African-American culture and wanted to bring in light the monotonous life of the discriminated race. He tirelessly backed-up the requirement of civil rights for an equilibrium state of justice and humanity.

The poem is written in 1951 and Hughes words bring in light the chances of a drastic revolution which the country needed.

However, the question asks the meaning of “deferred” as used by Hughes in this short poem. “Deferred dreams” embodies the dreams that were ‘put off’ due to the chaos raised the World War. People were not free and were in a place where working righteously for oneself, was not at all easy or convincing.