Harlem (Dream Deferred) Theme of Transience

Just like humans and lots of other living things in the world, dreams grow, transform, and change their shape, whether we want them to or not. The speaker in "Harlem" wonders how dreams might change if they are ignored.

Questions About Transience

  1. According to our speaker, how can dreams change?
  2. When it comes to dreams, is change a good thing?
  3. Are dreams everlasting?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Our speaker argues that dreams will come back to haunt you if you don't pay attention to them.