Hughes had this theme throughout many of his poems. Hughes used this theme to socially protest how Blacks were treated in America at that time period. He believed strongly in himself, that he was an American and that he was entitled to the same privileges as others. "I,too", a poem where he tries to establish his identity throughout its entire length.
ANALYSIS
The first line has the words "I, too" in it. The poem is a response to Walt Whitman's poem, "I hear America Singing" about patriotism. The "too" in this line refers to Whitman's poem because he did not mention Blacks once in his poem. He is saying that African Americans are also part of American culture. The "I" lets the readers know that the speaker is also the subject of the poem.
In the second stanza the writer refers to himself as the "darker brother" which means just a Black American. He talks about segregation and inequality when "company comes"(white people) he is sent to eat in the kitchen alone. The speaker just laughs and grows strong which shows he knows one day everyone will be equal (Constantakis 100).
Stanza three starts with the elusive "Tomorrow" will come. The speaker doesn't know when, but one day the "darker brothers" will be united with the rest of the Americans. He then says when that tomorrow comes, when black people are treated as equals, "Nobody'll dare say to me, "Eat in the kitchen." He challenges someone to tell him to leave, because the Black Americans will not back down like in the past. The fourth stanza suggests that once whites realize that African Americans are the same as themselves, they will be ashamed. The speaker is optimistic that one day everyone will regret the history involving African Americans.
The final line of the poem reflects the first line with just one single word change. The "sing" is now an "am" and the speaker is an American. It suggests that Blacks are equal and are part of America and the culture it has Constantakis 101).
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.
Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then.
Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed--