Langston Hughes's most famous lines (with the poem they come from)
The top 3 according to 93 votes from people: I, too, sing America. / I am the darker brother. · O, let America be America again — / The land that never has been yet — / And yet must be — the land where every man is free. · What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun? / Or does it explode?. (Updated Nov 1, 2021.)
"I, too, sing America", "My soul has grown deep like the rivers" and "What happens to a dream deferred?": the most quoted lines of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, each with the poem and the year it was published.
Top 12
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1
I, too, sing America. / I am the darker brother.
"I, Too" (1925).
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2
O, let America be America again — / The land that never has been yet — / And yet must be — the land where every man is free.
"Let America Be America Again" (1936).
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3
What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun? / Or does it explode?
"Harlem" (1951).
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4
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" (1921).
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5
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. / I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951).
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6
I, too, am America.
"I, Too" (1925).
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7
Let America be America again. / Let it be the dream it used to be.
"Let America Be America Again" (1936).
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8
Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.
"Dreams" (1923).
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9
America will be!
"Let America Be America Again" (1936).
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10
You are white — / yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.
"Theme for English B" (1951).
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11
My motto, / As I live and learn, / is: / Dig And Be Dug / In Return.
"Motto" (1951).
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12
For poems are like rainbows; they escape you quickly.
The Big Sea (1940).
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (1)
Lorraine Hansberry took A Raisin in the Sun straight from "Harlem". One poem, a whole play.