Similes are not quite as powerful as metaphors--because they say that something is "like" or "as" something else rather than that something "is" something else--and this makes the final comparison all the more powerful.

Hughes uses similes to compare a deferred or put-off dream as something that dries up "like a raisin in the sun"; next, as something that "fester[s] like a sore" and then runs with pus; next, he asks if it "stink[s] like rotten meat" or crusts over, becoming sticky and gross, "like a syrupy sweet"; finally, he suggests that it "sags / like a heavy load." Each of these similes conveys something rather unpleasant, something that would pain or inconvenience or disappoint an individual. None of them are horrific or truly terrible. However, the final line asks, "Or does it explode?" This line is unusual for several reasons: first, it is set off by itself as only the first line of the poem is. Second, it is italicized, apparently to indicate that it is of particular importance. Third, the word "explodes" introduces a metaphor that compares a "dream deferred" to something that literally "explode[s]": a bomb. While all the other similes have described personal or individual problems or pains, a bomb would affect a great many people. It is big and violent and is capable of great harm. Hughes, via this metaphor, seems to imply that, deferred long enough, the dream of racial equality will eventually become explosive and affect everyone, not just African Americans.

Langston Hughes' poem "A dream deferred", also known in some editions as "Harlem" uses imagery and rhetorical questions in order to bring about meaning and purpose. The author is explaining what could possibly happen when the dreams that we have for ourselves become unattainable – even the simplest dream.  He is speaking in the context of the black community in Harlem because their situation is often dire and it is quite difficult for them to escape their reality and achieve a better life for themselves.  This poem depicts an unfortunate reality for many of the poverty stricken victims who live in these types of situations.  In addition, Hughes uses the following techniques in order to bring his purpose to life.

He uses imagery such as: a dried up raisin that festers, a sore, rotten meat, syrupy sweet, heavy load, explode – to project the seriousness and the emotions that could be felt by individuals who are in these situations.

* He also asks questions – which allow the reader to think about the answer as opposed to him telling us what to think (effective rhetorical device).

*He sets off certain lines to emphasize their meaning as well - “What happens to dreams deferred?”  The author wants to show that an issue is being raised.

* He uses italics at the end and sets off the sentence as a possible warning.  Is this why many individuals from the black community act out or are violent?  Are they left with a choice? Notice that the author never tells us what to think, but helps us to think about it and to empathize with the affected individuals.