Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Langston Hughes' poem "Parade" offers a vivid depiction of a planned procession, possibly a cultural or community event, centered around African American pride and visibility. The poem captures both the excitement and the underlying tension of such an event, where the visibility of Black people in a public, celebratory context becomes a significant statement.

The poem begins with a straightforward description of the event's organizers: "Seven ladies / and seventeen gentlemen / at the Elks Club Lounge / planning planning a parade." This opening line grounds the reader in the specific setting of a community planning meeting, emphasizing the anticipation and meticulous preparation involved. The repetition of the word "planning" underscores the importance of this event to the organizers, who are likely members of the African American community. The use of the Elks Club Lounge, a social space often associated with Black communities during the early 20th century, situates the reader within the cultural and social environment from which this parade emerges.

Hughes then moves on to describe the parade itself, starting with the "Grand Marshal in his white suit," a figure of authority and leadership. The white suit could symbolize formality, respectability, or even a desire to present the best possible image to the world. This detail reflects the importance of appearance and the symbolic power of the parade in asserting dignity and pride.

The poem continues with the imagery of "Cadillacs with dignitaries" leading the procession, followed by "band and drum" and people "on foot ... on foot ... on foot ..." The repetition of "on foot" emphasizes the communal and collective nature of the event, highlighting the participation of ordinary people. The cadence of the words mimics the steady, rhythmic march of the participants, creating a sense of movement and unity.

However, this sense of unity and pride is juxtaposed with the presence of "motorcycle cops, white, / will speed it / out of sight / if they can." This sudden shift introduces an element of tension and conflict. The white police officers, who are likely tasked with controlling or surveilling the parade, represent the broader societal forces that seek to suppress or marginalize Black visibility and expression. The line "Solid black, / can't be right" further underscores the racial tensions, suggesting that the very act of a Black parade is seen as something threatening or inappropriate by those in power.

As the poem progresses, the repetition of "marching ... marching ... marching ... / noon till night ..." reinforces the endurance and determination of the participants. The relentless rhythm of the march becomes a metaphor for the ongoing struggle for recognition, equality, and visibility in a society that often seeks to erase or diminish Black presence.

The speaker's revelation—"I never knew / that many Negroes / were on earth, / did you? / I never knew!"—expresses a sense of awe and surprise at the sheer number of Black people coming together for the parade. This line captures the paradox of invisibility and sudden visibility: the community, often overlooked or underestimated, reveals its strength and numbers in this public display. The surprise in the speaker's voice might also reflect the internalized marginalization, where even within the community, the full extent of its presence and power is not always recognized until moments like this parade.

The repeated exclamations of "PARADE!" in the final lines of the poem serve as a triumphant declaration. The parade is more than just a procession; it is a powerful statement of existence, pride, and defiance. "A chance to let / the whole world see / old black me!" The closing lines emphasize the parade's role in asserting identity and reclaiming visibility in a world that often seeks to deny or erase it. The repetition of "PARADE!" punctuates the poem with a sense of celebration and affirmation, while "old black me" personalizes the experience, connecting the collective event to individual identity.

In "Parade," Langston Hughes captures the dual nature of public visibility for African Americans—both as a moment of celebration and as a site of potential conflict. The poem reflects the complexities of racial identity, pride, and the desire for recognition in a society that has historically marginalized Black people. Through the rhythmic, almost musical structure of the poem, Hughes conveys the excitement, tension, and significance of a parade as a powerful act of collective visibility and resistance.

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