Allusion and Metaphor in "I, Too, Sing America"

Question 1

The second line in the poem reads, “I am the darker brother.” What does that mean?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The speaker is an African American.

Question 2

When the speaker says, “They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes,” who are “they”?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“They” represent white Americans.

Question 3

What is the extended metaphor in the poem “I, Too, Sing America”?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Eating in the kitchen is being compared to racial segregation in America.

Question 4

What does the speaker mean by tomorrow?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

in the future when there is equality

Question 5

Based on what you know of Langston Hughes and his beliefs, what quality makes the speaker “beautiful” in the last lines of the poem?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

He is beautiful because he is African American.

Allusion and Metaphor in "I, Too, Sing America" Answers