Dreams / Langston Hughes

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Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Talking About Dreams

Study Guide: "Dreams" by Langston Hughes

Quiz

1. What is the central command or instruction given in the poem "Dreams" by Langston Hughes?
2. What is the primary consequence if dreams "die," according to the first stanza?
3. Which specific image does the poem use to describe life without dreams in the first stanza?
4. In the second stanza, what happens "when dreams go"?
5. What natural landscape is used to symbolize life without dreams in the second stanza?
6. How does the poem characterize the bird in the first stanza, highlighting its inability?
7. What is implied about the usefulness or productivity of a "barren field" in the poem's context?
8. Identify one key verb that emphasizes the imperative nature of holding onto dreams in the poem.
9. What is the overall tone or mood conveyed by the descriptions of life without dreams in the poem?
10. The poem uses two distinct metaphors to illustrate the importance of dreams. What are they?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The central command in the poem is "Hold fast to dreams," emphasizing the critical importance of retaining one's aspirations and hopes.
2. According to the first stanza, if dreams die, life is depicted as being severely hindered and unable to achieve its potential.
3. The poem uses the image of a "broken-winged bird" that cannot fly to describe life without dreams in the first stanza, symbolizing a state of powerlessness and stagnation.
4. In the second stanza, "when dreams go," life is described as becoming an unproductive and desolate place.
5. Life without dreams in the second stanza is symbolized by a "barren field frozen with snow," conveying a sense of lifelessness and sterility.
6. The bird in the first stanza is characterized as "broken-winged," which highlights its complete inability to fly and therefore its inability to fulfill its natural purpose.
7. A "barren field" implies that life without dreams is unproductive, desolate, and incapable of nurturing growth or sustenance, much like a field that yields nothing.
8. The key verb "Hold" (as in "Hold fast") emphasizes the imperative and urgent nature of grasping and maintaining one's dreams.
9. The overall tone conveyed by the descriptions of life without dreams is one of desolation, hopelessness, and severe limitation.
10. The two distinct metaphors used are "a broken-winged bird that cannot fly" and "a barren field frozen with snow," both illustrating a state of profound loss and inability.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze how Langston Hughes uses natural imagery (the bird and the field) to convey the profound impact of dreams on human existence. Discuss the specific connotations of each image and how they contribute to the poem's central message.
2. Explore the imperative "Hold fast to dreams." What does this command imply about the nature of dreams and the human condition? Discuss why holding onto dreams is presented as such a vital act in the poem.
3. Compare and contrast the two scenarios presented for the loss of dreams ("if dreams die" versus "when dreams go"). Are there subtle differences in the implications of these phrases, or do they serve to reinforce the same message through repetition?
4. Discuss the structure and brevity of "Dreams." How does the poem's concise form, repetition, and direct language contribute to its impact and memorability?
5. How does "Dreams" reflect broader themes often found in Langston Hughes's work, particularly concerning hope, resilience, and the struggles faced by individuals?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Hold fast: An idiomatic expression meaning to grip or cling firmly to something; in this context, to steadfastly maintain or keep one's dreams and aspirations.
• Dreams: In the context of the poem, these refer to hopes, aspirations, goals, and visions for the future.
• Die (if dreams die): To cease to exist or function; metaphorically, for dreams to be lost, abandoned, or crushed.
• Broken-winged bird: A bird whose wings are damaged, rendering it unable to fly. This is a metaphor for a life that is incapacitated, unable to achieve its potential, or move forward.
• Go (when dreams go): To depart or vanish; similar to "die," indicating the absence or loss of dreams.
• Barren field: A piece of land that is unproductive, infertile, or unable to grow crops. This is a metaphor for a life that is desolate, empty, and yields nothing of value.
• Frozen with snow: Covered and hardened by ice and snow, implying a state of stagnation, lifelessness, and harsh conditions.
• Metaphor: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, creating a comparison without using "like" or "as." The poem employs two central metaphors: the broken-winged bird and the barren field.
• Imperative: A grammatical mood that expresses a direct command, warning, or instruction. The phrase "Hold fast to dreams" is an imperative.
• Consequences: The results or effects of an action or condition. The poem explicitly outlines the negative consequences of losing dreams.

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