The poems “I hear America Singing,” by Walt Whitman and “I, Too, Sing America,” by Langston Hughes both use singing as a symbol for being part of America, and equally contributing to its prosperity. They also express very strong ideas of unity and equality, although Whitman’s poem also shows diversity, and Hughes’ poem sends a message of freedom as well.

     In both poems, singing is a symbol for being part of America, and contributing to its prosperity. In “I hear America Singing,” Whitman talks about different people, with different jobs who are singing. He says “ The wood-cutter’s song–the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown;” This shows that no matter who is singing or when they are singing, it doesn’t mater because they are all singing America. They are what constitutes America, and they are all singing, or working to bring prosperity to their country each in their own way. In “I, Too, Sing America,” Hughes talks about racial differences. When he says “I, Too, Sing America,” he is saying that he is also part of America, and he is also a part of America’s success. Thus, he should be treated equally to all other Americans, without regard to his skin color.

     Both poems also send a very strong message of unity, and equality for all Americans. In “I, Too, Sing America,” Hughes asserts “Tomorrow, I’ll sit at the table.” what he means is that in the future, race won’t matter. Black people will sit at the same table as white people sit. This shows he really believed that one day their would be racial equality. He later says “Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed,” This means that one day the white people will see all that the black people have to offer, and that they are no different than white people. He is also saying that the white people will be ashamed of their racism when they realize this. The last line of Hughes poem summarizes his theme. He affirms “I, Too, Am America” This powerful ending line states that although he is black, he is also American and therefore, although it isn’t recognized, he is equal to all other Americans including whites. In the poem “I Hear America Singing,” Whitman talks about all the different Americans who have nothing in common aside from all singing America, or as interpreted, working for America’s success. He says “The delicious singing of the mother or of the young wife at work or of the girl sewing or washing,” this line shows that no matter who they are, or what they do, they are united because they are all singing, and they are all Americans. He also says “The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,” The carpenter’s song is his work and his contribution to America’s prosperity. Everyone is singing a different song, their own song. This means everyone is doing something different, but it the end it all unites. Everyone has the freedom to do what they want. This is what makes America great and prosperous.