Seeterlin 1

Jason Seeterlin
Ms. Dockus
American Literature
15 November 2015
Response to I, Too by Langston Hughes
We have all been shunned by others at times, and our reactions to being alone are what
defines us. I, Too by famous American poet Langston Hughes delivers this message quickly
and effectively while still being immensely profound. Being excluded by any group hurts
because we feel as though we are insignificant or of little value. How we value ourselves and
others is an integral part of our character and moral standing. Having our value lowered brings us
down, and makes us feel smaller in a world that seems too big. Being excluded makes us alone
and abandoned.The true parts of a person show most often when nobody else is around. When
we are excluded we are given options. Those options are to either change ourselves, accept
ourselves, or sometimes attempt to change others.
I, Too by Hughes deals with an African-American mans dilemma when he is excluded
from a dinner with white folks. The words darker brother mean to say that the man is africanamerican, but it could also be applied to anyone who doesn't already fit in with the larger group.
In response to this he laughs, eats well, and grows strong (5-7). This part of the poem explains
how the man took being excluded as a challenge and worked hard to better himself rather than
accept the cards that he had been dealt. This is a positive reaction because the changes he made
to himself were good, and he became a better person by making them.

Seeterlin 2
Tomorrow, Ill be at the table When company comes. Nobodyll dare Say to me, Eat in the
kitchen, (8-13). This part of the poem illustrates how by changing himself he was able to
change the view of others.
In conclusion, I, Too by Langston Hughes shows very well how a person reacts to
adversity and exclusion is what defines him/her as an individual. It also shows how someone can
change himself/herself for the better instead of accepting what others say.

Hughes, Langston. I, Too. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.