Identity in the Poetry of Langston Hughes - 2807 Words

Search for Identity in the Poetry of Langston Hughes In exploring the problem of identity in Black literature we find no simple or definite explanation. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that it is rooted in the reality of the discriminatory social system in America with its historic origins in the institution of slavery. One can discern that this slavery system imposes a double burden on the Negro through severe social and economic inequalities and through the heavy psychological consequences suffered by the Negro who is forced to play an inferior role, 1 the latter relates to the low self-estimate, feeling of helplessness and basic identity conflict. Thus, in some form or the other, every Negro American is confronted with†¦show more content†¦But they were persons who were trying to uphold the race. Another poem Freedom Train celebrates a long struggle of the Afro Americans. It is a dream which has not come true and will not come true for the Afro American masses. Uprooted from the natural environment of Africa, the Negro in America feels suffocated for lack of freedom, joy and happiness. The Negro soul so deep and ancient is still conscious of his heritage and strength. The poet inspired of American experience of the race seeks unity, community and identity, remote in history and beyond the frontiers of America. Langston Hughes became a votary of freedom for the blacks as the black people in America were deprived of their political, economic and social rights. His central concern was the concern of the black Americans, their struggle for freedom from the tyranny of the whites. It is quite natural for a man to feel attached to his people, to care for their freedom and to make them equal to other human beings, as freedom and equality are the primary necessities of life. He is of the belief that the African identity is fundamental to the Afro-Americans; that the pride of ancestry, dreams to rebuild a powerful African image is necessary for the survival of the community in America. According to Langston Hughes, for the permanence of black identity, racial pride is essential. He says: Wear it Like a banner ForShow MoreRelated Search for Identity in the Poetry of Langston Hughes Essay2704 Words   |  11 PagesSearch for Identity in the Poetry of Langston Hughes In exploring the problem of identity in Black literature we find no simple or definite explanation. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that it is rooted in the reality of the discriminatory social system in America with its historic origins in the institution of slavery. One can discern that this slavery system imposes a double burden on the Negro through severe social and economic inequalities and through the heavy psychological consequencesRead MoreLangston Hughes : African American Poetry1305 Words   |  6 PagesLangston Hughes: African American Poetry Langston Hughes grew up in a time of segregation, as a African American man living during the Civil Rights movement. During this time Langston wrote poetry from this point of view as a African American. Langston Hughes poetry is important due to his content, imagery, and voice. Through Langston’s voice he strengthened African Americans hope while opening the eyes of the white man to see what they are doing is wrong. Langston Hughes was born February 1,1902Read MoreEssay on Langston Hughes a Harlem Renaissance Man1463 Words   |  6 Pagesartists such as Langston Hughes. James Mercer Langston Hughes was an African American poet, journalist, playwright, and novelist whose works were incredibly well known. It was during the peak of the Harlem Renaissance in which Langston Hughes produced poetry which was not just musically and artistically sound, but also captured the essence of the blues. Thus giving life to a new version of poetry that illustrated the African American struggle between society and oneself. Langston Hughes was one of theRead More Langston Hughes Essay1356 Words   |  6 Pagesstands out as one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes defined himself by his ability to pursue the true essence of â€Å"black folk† at a time when black identity, culture, or art was considered an oxymoronic concept. Hughes sought to explore the true identity of Black America even amidst criticism that his work was anti-assimilationist in its literary expression. Wallace Thurman, one of Hughes’ closest friends had this to say about the poet’s subject matter: â€Å"He wentRead MoreThe Black Man and Langston Hughes1601 Words   |  7 PagesThe term identity is defined by Webster’s dictionary as being â€Å"the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones, as under varying aspects or conditions† however in exploring the concept of Identity in black literature, we can find no definite explanation or definition. We can try to accept that it has been rooted in social situations that are generally more discriminatory, such the institution of slavery. In some way shape or form, the average or normal African American is confronted with theRead MoreCritique of Julie Aberdeens Essay on the Writings of Langston Hughes during the Harlem Renaissance638 Words   |  3 Pageswritings of Langston Hughes during the Harlem Renaissance Aberdeens essay on Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance had a clear theme that was supported throughout by many examples. While an actual thesis statement was lacking, or a title that would have provided similar direction, the content stayed close to the topics of striving for equality and cultural identity through the writings of Hughes. A good thesis statement for this essay might be: This essay will examine how Langston Hughes soughtRead MoreThesis: Langston Hughes and the Blues1812 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Research Outline I . Introduction Thesis Langston Hughs viewed the music of the blues and poetry as kindred forces that propelled the downtrodden blacks of the 1920s and 1930s toward a better day. II. Paragraph Two develop metaphor between constancy of blues music and ocean waves in live of black people. Quote blues poems: Weary Blues, Po Boy Blues, Homesick Blues. Relationship between the listener (the poet) and the blues musician, each coming to the same place night after night Read MoreA Comparative Analysis of Harlem Renaissance Poetry Essay596 Words   |  3 Pages (A Comparative Analysis of Harlem Renaissance Poetry) The great philosopher Plato once orated: â€Å"Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. PBS defines the the Harlem Renaissance a â€Å"Cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem between the end of World War I and the middle of the 1930s. During this period Harlem was a cultural center, drawing black writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and scholars.† Those who wish to sing alwaysRead MoreAnalysis Of Langston Hughes And His Views On Early 20th Century African American Society Essay1717 Words   |  7 PagesConnor Gamble Mrs. Carson AP Literature 7 December 2016 Langston Hughes and His Views on Early 20th-Century African American Society When African American slaves were released from slavery following the American Civil War, the ethnic group was now able to control their own lives, and the U.S had to acknowledge their freedoms and rights as American citizens. However, despite bold beliefs from the war, many white Americans still continued to deny equality to those of color. In addition, African AmericansRead More Struggles of African Americans in Langston Hughes’ Poems, Mother to Son and Lenox Avenue: Midnight1672 Words   |  7 PagesStruggles of African Americans in Langston Hughes’ Poems, Mother to Son and Lenox Avenue: Midnight The experiences, lessons, and conditions of one’s life provide a wellspring of inspiration for one’s creative expressions and ideas. Throughout life people encounter situations and circumstances that consequently help to mold them into individualized spirits. An individual’s personality is a reflection of his or her life. Langston Hughes, a world-renowned African American poet and self-professed