Langston Hughes Analysis Essay Example

would shape his identity as an African-American artist.

Influenced heavily by the blues and jazz, Hughes's poetry is known for its rich rhythm and musicality. While exploring black music's cadences in his work, he also aimed to reveal other aspects of African-American life to his readers. He wanted them to truly understand and experience the entirety of the African American experience.

One example of this is seen in his poem "A Negro Speaks of Rivers," where he expresses emotions about the struggles faced by black people throughout history. Through poetic techniques like repetition, rhyme, and rhythm, Hughes gives these feelings a universal quality.

Feeling emotionally isolated due to his detachment from his parents, Hughes found inspiration from a golden sunset over the Mississippi River while traveling by train. He combines this feeling with thoughts of powerful rivers from his ancestral past, ultimately reconciling his sense of isolation and transforming it into a metaphorical river symbolizing history, rebirth, self-justification, and veiled prophecy.Hughes' work exemplifies artistic quality by effectively conveying themes through skillful use of lines and historical references. The line "I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep" alludes to the significance of the Congo River as a boundary between white Africa and black Africa. The subsequent lines, "I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it" and "I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans," strategically juxtapose their meanings. The first line highlights power conveyed by historical and architectural significance of pyramids, while the second line shifts to a more familiar tone with use of "Abe." This reference links Abe Lincoln, South, and slavery,

symbolizing transition from power to oppression. Throughout poem, speaker's use of "I" represents collective black experience encompassing history and present realities.The poem uses rich language to vividly connect the speaker's personal experiences and ancestral heritage to powerful rivers. Another poem, "I, too," effectively addresses racial issues through its style and word choice. It does not explicitly refer to biblical or historical events, yet its message remains clear. The line "They send me to eat in the kitchen" boldly expresses oppression, highlighting the shame felt by white individuals when associated with black individuals. However, the speaker's response of "But I laugh" signifies acceptance of this shame. Laughing in a degrading situation can be seen as survival or a sign of deeper understanding, both granting power to the speaker. Throughout the poem, there is a recurring theme of pride in the speaker's beauty and anticipation that others will eventually recognize it. The line "Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed" at the end reflects this stance perfectly. Placing this line fittingly addresses the hidden shame prevalent throughout the poem, which can finally be acknowledged upon achieving liberation. The final line beautifully declares "I, too, am America," signifying that despite being denied pursuing the American dream, the speaker still considers themselves part of America.
Hughes frequently contrasts the American dream with the harsh realities endured by black individuals. In his poem "Let America be America Again," he acknowledges that even those who once experienced the American dream have lost it. By physically separating stanzas and employing parentheses, Hughes highlights that African Americans never truly had a genuine encounter with the American dream – it was never

their America. This racial influence is evident in Hughes' unique style, which incorporates rhythmic elements influenced by jazz and blues. At times, his tone resembles that of a black sermon, reflecting the distinct way in which the black community expresses themselves. Overall, his poetry is easily accessible due to its conversational quality, although there are occasional irregular rhymes and significant use of repetition. He employs these devices in an original manner alongside metaphors, imagery, and familiar ideas to convey his thoughts and emotions. Hughes places great value on his ancestral past and recognizes the importance of African Americans' souls. However, he grapples with reconciling their oppression and suffering in a country where equality was supposed to prevail – America. Nevertheless, he effectively challenges the notion that the American dream exclusively belongs to white people. Amidst anguish and diminishing hope, Hughes discovers a deeper reality that he staunchly believes in.
According to this reality, black people are a rich and glorious people, and their history cannot be diminished by others' attempts. Hughes has secured a place among the greatest poets in America and has given a voice to the African American experience. His poetry, like the vibrant sound of a jazz trumpet, proclaims that black America possesses a culture that is poetic and vibrant. This proclamation becomes Hughes' life mission. Among his numerous poetry titles such as "Let America be America Again," "I, too," and "A Negro Speaks of Rivers," he passionately argues for human equality, yearns for color-blind brotherhood, and experiences a growing disillusionment with the American dream.

As the dreams of Langston Hughes began to come true in the turbulent 60's, he was increasingly celebrated. He

continued to write about the ideals he held dear in his youth and also showed an growing interest in the Afro-centric movement for black Americans. He passed away in Harlem, a place he cherished, on May 22nd ,1967.

Bibliography:
- Emanuel, James A. Langston Hughes.New York: Twayne Publishers, 1967.
- Jemie, Onwuchekwa.Or does it explode?Langston Hughes: Critical Perspectives Past and Present.New York: Amistad,
1993.Pages 135-169.
- Jemie ,Onwuchekwa.Langston Hughes: An Introduction to
the Poetry.New York:Columbia University Press,
1976.- http.federalistnavy.com/poetry/LANGSTONHUGHES1902-
1967hall/www.board.htm