Dinner Guest: Me

    Langston Hughes's poem "Dinner Gust: Me" is a commentary on the complexities of race and identity in American society. The word choice in the poem builds the theme of racial tension and self-awareness.

    The theme of the poem is primarily built through the words that reflect Hughes's feelings of being a guest who symbolizes "The Negro Problem" in the eyes of the white hosts. The word "Problem" itself carries a heavy burden, highlighting the racial challenges and disparities faced by Black individuals. The use of "wined and dined" emphasizes the superficial hospitality that masks deeper racial issues, setting the stage for the theme of racial insincerity.

    Hughes's word choice, particularly "shame" when he says, "I'm so ashamed of being white," reveals a theme of self-awareness and guilt. The word "shame" conveys the moral dilemma faced by individuals who recognize the privilege associated with their racial identity. It serves to emphasize the theme of racial consciousness.

    The contrast between the luxurious meal and the mention of being "a Problem" on Park Avenue underscores the theme of racial and class disparities. Hughes's experience at the "damask table" brings attention to the stark contrast between the opulence of the setting and the underlying racial tensions.

    

    Ultimately, the theme of the poem centers on the persistence of racial prejudice and the portal obligation of self-examination in the face of racial inequality. Hughes's word choice is a poignant tool that emphasizes these themes and calls attention to the enduring racial issues in American society.