How do the following two poems compare with respect to the theme of difference: "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes, and "Speaking a Foreign...

In the poems "Theme for English B" and "Speaking a Foreign Language," by Langston Hughes and Alastair Reid, respectively, both poets speak of differences while also recognizing there is an underlying sameness that unites all of humanity.Hughes starts his poem by listing the things that distinguish him as an African American, such as where he was born, being the only "colored student" in his class at Columbia University, and living in a...

In the poems "Theme for English B" and "Speaking a Foreign Language," by Langston Hughes and Alastair Reid, respectively, both poets speak of differences while also recognizing there is an underlying sameness that unites all of humanity.

Hughes starts his poem by listing the things that distinguish him as an African American, such as where he was born, being the only "colored student" in his class at Columbia University, and living in a room at Harlem's YMCA. He also speaks of his taste preferences while acknowledging that "being colored doesn't make me not like / the same things other folks like who are other races." His indication that he likes some of the same things other people of other races like is his first reference to the unity of humanity while also acknowledging differences. He further expresses unity when he refers to his white instructor as being "a part of me, as I am a part of you," since they both learn from each other. By speaking of human beings as all being a part of each other due to what we learn from each other, Hughes again acknowledges the unity of humanity while also acknowledging differences.

Similarly, Reid speaks of differences by speaking of the worries and difficulties associated with trying to communicate in a foreign language. Yet, by the end of the poem, he speaks of "foreign friends" being seen as "endearing" as they "[stumble through] the wreckage of word or tense." He further speaks of the heart uniting us all in the language of love. Therefore, Reid acknowledges that though we are all different and those differences are seen in the foreign languages we try to speak, we are also all united in the need to communicate with each other and in our ability to express and understand love despite being unable to speak well in a foreign language. Hence, like Hughes, Reid acknowledges differences among humanity while also acknowledging that all of humanity is united.