Question

4. What is the theme of this poem by Langston Hughes?
Still Here
I have been scared and battered
My hopes the wind done scattered
Snow has friz' me, Sun has baked me,
Looks like between 'em they done
Tried to make me
Stop laughin,
Stop lovin,
Stop livin' - But I don't care!
I'm still here!
suffering
stamina
defiance
death

Answer 1

The theme of Langston Hughes' poem "Still Here" revolves around resilience and the enduring spirit of survival in the face of adversity. The speaker reflects on the challenges and hardships they have faced—symbolized by experiences of being scared, battered, and weathered by the elements. Despite these struggles, the speaker's defiance and determination to continue living, loving, and laughing underscore a powerful message of hope and perseverance. The repeated assertion of "I'm still here!" emphasizes a triumphant acknowledgment of one's existence and strength despite the trials encountered. Thus, the central themes can be identified as suffering, stamina, and defiance in the face of life's difficulties.