The Representation of Social Justice in Hughes' and Whitman's Poems

Is the theme of social justice represented differently in Hughes' "I, Too, Sing America" and Whitman's "I Hear America Singing"?

True or False?, I believe the answer is true

Answer:

True

The theme of social justice is indeed represented differently in Langston Hughes' "I, Too, Sing America" and Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing." While both poems touch on the concept of American identity and democracy, they do so from distinct perspectives.

In Hughes' poem, "I, Too, Sing America," the speaker asserts his role in the American experience despite facing discrimination and marginalization. The poem challenges the exclusionary nature of American society at the time and advocates for equality and social justice. This is in stark contrast to Whitman's "I Hear America Singing," which celebrates the diversity of American voices and experiences without addressing the systemic issues of inequality and discrimination.

Overall, while both poems touch on similar themes of American identity and democracy, the perspectives and messages conveyed regarding social justice are indeed different between Hughes' and Whitman's works.