American in Paris is a poem written by American poet, Langston Hughes. It was first published in 1951 as part of a collection of poems called Montage of a Dream Deferred. The poem is a narrative that tells the story of an African American man who has moved to Paris, France, and his experiences there.
What type of poem is it?
American in Paris is a free verse poem, which means that it does not follow any specific rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This type of poetry often relies on the natural rhythms and sounds of everyday language to create its own unique cadence.
The Structure Of The Poem
The poem consists of six stanzas, each with varying numbers of lines. The first stanza introduces the speaker and his situation, while the subsequent stanzas delve deeper into his experiences in Paris.
The Theme Of Identity
One of the main themes explored in American in Paris is identity. The speaker feels out of place both in America and in France.
He describes himself as “a stranger / In this village / Called Paris.” Despite feeling like an outsider, he also finds comfort in being around other African Americans who have also left America for Paris.
The Theme Of Freedom
Another theme present in the poem is freedom. The speaker feels liberated from the racial discrimination he experienced in America when he moves to Paris. He describes feeling “free” and “happy” while walking through the city streets.
The Use Of Imagery
Hughes uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to bring the speaker’s experiences to life. For example, he describes the “gay crowds” and “bright café tables” that line the streets of Paris. These images create a sense of excitement and vibrancy that contrasts with the more somber tone present when discussing issues related to identity and race.
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The First Stanza
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The Second Stanza
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The Third And Fourth Stanza
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The Fifth And Sixth Stanza
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the speaker’s situation. He describes himself as a stranger in Paris, but also notes that there are other African Americans around him. This creates a sense of community and solidarity, even in a foreign land.
The second stanza explores the speaker’s feelings of freedom and liberation in Paris. He describes feeling like he can be himself without fear of judgment or discrimination.
In the third and fourth stanzas, the speaker reflects on his experiences with discrimination in America. He remembers being told where he could and could not go based on his skin color. However, he also notes that he is not completely free from racism in Paris.
The final two stanzas offer a more hopeful perspective. The speaker notes that despite still facing racism, he is happy to be in Paris where he can live more freely than he could in America.
He ends the poem by declaring “I am an American,” emphasizing his identity while also acknowledging his place within a global community.
Conclusion
American in Paris is a powerful poem that explores themes of identity, freedom, and discrimination. Hughes’ use of free verse and vivid imagery create a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The poem offers a unique perspective on what it means to be American while also highlighting the challenges faced by African Americans during this time period.