1. Rejection of Traditional Form and Language:
* Free Verse: The poem doesn't adhere to traditional rhyme schemes or metrical patterns. This freedom allows Hughes to express the raw emotions and experiences of the speaker.
* Informal Language: Hughes uses simple, everyday language, rejecting the formality and elevated diction common in traditional poetry. This makes the poem accessible and emphasizes the speaker's humanity.
2. Focus on Individual Experience and Identity:
* Personal Narrative: The poem is narrated from the perspective of an African American individual, showcasing their personal experience of discrimination and resilience.
* Shifting Identity: The poem shifts between the first person ("I") and the second person ("You") to highlight the shared humanity of all Americans, while also emphasizing the exclusionary nature of American society for people of color.
3. Exploration of Social Issues:
* Racism and Discrimination: The poem confronts the issue of racism in America head-on, highlighting the hypocrisy of a nation that professes equality while denying it to African Americans.
* Social Justice: The poem envisions a future where the speaker is fully accepted and integrated into American society, advocating for a more just and inclusive nation.
4. Modernist Themes of Disillusionment and Alienation:
* Disillusionment with American Ideals: The poem challenges the notion of American exceptionalism and points to the reality of systemic racism that contradicts the ideal of equality for all.
* Alienation and Marginalization: The speaker's experience of being "sent to eat in the kitchen" and being "told to be happy" reflects the alienation and marginalization faced by African Americans.
5. Emphasis on the Voice of the Marginalized:
* Authenticity: The poem gives voice to the experiences of African Americans, who were often silenced and marginalized in traditional literature.
* Self-Assertion: The speaker's declaration of "I, too, sing America" is a powerful act of self-assertion and resistance against the forces that sought to silence them.
In conclusion, "I, Too, Sing America" embodies the core principles of Modernism by breaking away from traditional forms, focusing on individual experiences, and tackling social issues with raw honesty and a call for change. It exemplifies how Modernist poetry can be used as a powerful tool for social commentary and the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.