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What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up - like a…

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up - like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore - And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags - like a heavy lead” quote by Langston Hughes
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“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up - like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore - And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags - like a heavy lead”

Langston Hughes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Deferred dreams can decay, ferment, or become sweet, reflecting varied consequences of postponed aspirations.

In simple terms: Unrealized goals can sour or transform.

Key Takeaway

Address aspirations early to avoid decay.

Themes

dreams delay consequences

Mood

reflective poetic

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career goals
  • social justice
  • personal ambitions
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

sociology psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What dreams have you postponed and why?
  • How might delayed dreams change over time?
A Different Perspective

Not all deferred dreams become negative; some may inspire.

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