Langston Hughes

[Mrs. Dalloway]

I've recently start reading Langston Hughes' poems. Today I found a poem which is really interesting!

-- problems --

2 and 2 are 4
4 and 4 are 8

but what would happen
if the last 4 was late?

and how would it be
if one 2 was me?

Or if the first 4 was you
divided by 2?

-- Langston Hughes --


What do you think it means?

opinions plzzz! ;)

[Mrs. Dalloway]

:( :(

[monellia]

This is an anti-discriminatory poem which outlines the equality of all humans as a common species. The numbers represent people. Consider that Hughes was of an ethnic minority. The number 2 represents black people, while the number 4 represents white people. Hughes uses math to convey the common function of all human beings. Though the numbers are different, they have the same function. Such do people all have the same function, despite their differences. The title of the poem, "Problems", refers to the problems people encounter as a result of their variance. The numerical metaphor relates to all differences between people, from race to class to interests to career to attitude, and so on. Hughes uses the word "divided" to outline the separation between two individuals who have opposing characteristics, and how though they are divided by characteristic, they are consistent in function.

[Mrs. Dalloway]

This is an anti-discriminatory poem which outlines the equality of all humans as a common species. The numbers represent people. Consider that Hughes was of an ethnic minority. The number 2 represents black people, while the number 4 represents white people. Hughes uses math to convey the common function of all human beings. Though the numbers are different, they have the same function. Such do people all have the same function, despite their differences. The title of the poem, "Problems", refers to the problems people encounter as a result of their variance. The numerical metaphor relates to all differences between people, from race to class to interests to career to attitude, and so on. Hughes uses the word "divided" to outline the separation between two individuals who have opposing characteristics, and how though they are divided by characteristic, they are consistent in function.

Yes, I think their are considered more inferior (number 2) than white people (number 4) or rich people. Though they are socially not equal, they are both human beings, which in fact make them equal.

Thanks for your answer!! :D

[chasestalling]

i wish i'd written it.

[chasestalling]

here's part of another by hughes, a personal favorite of mine.

GOODBYE, CHRIST

Listen, Christ,
You did alright in your day, I reckon --
But that day's gone now.
The popes and the preachers've
Made too much money from it.
They've sold you to too many

Kings, generals, robbers, and killers --
Even to the Tzar and the Cossacks,
Even to Rockefeller's Church,
Even to THE SATURDAY EVENING POST.
You ain't no good no more.

They've pawned you
Till you've done wore out.

Goodbye,
Christ Jesus Lord God Jehova,

[Mrs. Dalloway]

I've never read this poem! thanks!! I like it :) and it's true... amazing

which other poems do you like?

[chasestalling]

this is a poem i came across recently but seeing how the moderators of this board are somewhat, how-shall-put-it, sensitive to the needs of children i'm afraid i'll have to defer until a later date.

[Logos]

this is a poem i came across recently but seeing how the moderators of this board are somewhat, how-shall-put-it, sensitive to the needs of children i'm afraid i'll have to defer until a later date.
The site owner and his rules are what dictate that this forum fosters an environment for people of all ages, us mods just see that they're followed :)

[Mrs. Dalloway]

this is a poem i came across recently but seeing how the moderators of this board are somewhat, how-shall-put-it, sensitive to the needs of children i'm afraid i'll have to defer until a later date.

I don't understand why did you say... What happen?

[chasestalling]

I don't understand why did you say... What happen?

it's below me.

[Mrs. Dalloway]

it's below me.

:confused: :confused: :confused: