Question

the speaker in these lines from langton hughes’s poem “i, too” states that he is “growing strong” eating in the kitchen. which statement best describes the meaning of this declaration?

i am the darker brother.
they send me to eat in the kitchen
when company comes,
but i laugh,
and eat well,
and grow strong...

a. although he feels ignored by those at the table, the speaker is preparing to take back his position in society.

b. the speaker realizes he does not need those who now sit at the table and therefore focuses on improving himself.

c. even though he is being rejected by those at the table, the speaker is confident and resilient to adversity.

d. the speaker rejects getting help from those who now sit at the table and realizes that he must fend for himself.

e. despite being relegated to the kitchen, the speaker still feels he is treated fairly as he is provided with a position in society.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The poem doesn't focus on "taking back position" but on resilience. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The speaker doesn't "not need" them, but shows resilience despite rejection. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The speaker is sent to the kitchen (rejection), but laughs, eats well, grows strong—showing confidence and resilience. This matches.
• Option D: There's no "rejecting help" or "fend for himself" theme. Eliminate D.
• Option E: The speaker isn't "treated fairly"—being sent to the kitchen is segregation. Eliminate E.

Answer:

C. Even though he is being rejected by those at the table, the speaker is confident and resilient to adversity.