I, Too

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Literary Devices

Structure

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Literary Devices Structure

The opening and closing lines provide the structural framework for “I, Too.” These lines are identical except for a single word. Whereas the first line reads, “I, too, sing America” (line 1) the last line reads, “I, too, am America” (line 18). The poem is structured by the transition from singing to being. This transition unfolds across the three middle stanzas, which develop an extended metaphor that likens a dinner table to American society. The second stanza presents a scene of exclusion. The speaker notes that when company comes for dinner, he is forced to stay in the kitchen. In this scenario, the speaker stands apart. Metaphorically, he stands outside of American society, able to “sing” about it, but unable to participate in it fully. In the third and fourth stanzas, the speaker envisions an alternative possibility. Instead of being confined in the kitchen when company comes, he joins the dinner table, where he’s recognized for his inherent value. This scenario indicates a future in which the speaker will be included—not just as a guest at the table, but as an American citizen. With this newfound inclusion, the speaker can make his final claim to belonging: “I, too, am America.”

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I, Too

Langston Hughes

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Structure

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