Overview of Langston Hughes Poems
Langston Hughes, born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, was a major poet of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement in African-American literature that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Hughes was also a prolific novelist and playwright, and is known for his affinity for jazz and blues, as well as his unorthodox yet highly creative poetry. Many of his poems explore African-American identity and raise awareness on issues such as racism and poverty, offering powerful commentary in the process.
In his lifetime, Langston Hughes wrote over sixty books, including novels and collections of poetry, of which some are regarded today as the pillars of modern African-American literature. Today, Hughes is remembered for his legacy as one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century. His work expresses his love for his people, a feeling that he never lost in spite of discrimination and racism.
Below we’ve listed some of Langston Hughes’ most read poems with summaries, along with the year they were published:
The Weary Blues (1926): The Weary Blues is considered by many to be one of the defining works of the Harlem Renaissance period. Hughes brilliantly combines blues rhythms and rhythms of African-American music to craft a narrative that captures the unbearable loneliness of living in a racist society.
Harlem (1951): Written in 1951, this poem was inspired by the belief that dreams can easily be deferred due to economic or social injustice. Its tone is one of sadness, but with a hint of defiance, as it speaks to the resilience of human spirit.
Let America Be America Again (1936): This poem addresses issues such as poverty and racism, seen through the lens of American patriotism. Hughes urges citizens to stand up to these problems and fight against injustice in order to make America a place of fairness and opportunity for all.
Dream Deferred (1952): Dream Deferred interrogates the consequences of American racism, proposing that dreams can sometimes be put on hold when confronted with discrimination and prejudice. Written during the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement, this poem speaks to the need for reform in race relations.
I Too (1925): Written in 1925, this poem speaks to the need for Afro-American integration in US society. Hughes questions why his people cannot be accepted as part of a community, and muses on the power of unity among African-Americans.
Mother to Son (1922): This heart-wrenching poem was written as an advice from a mother to her son, urging him not to be discouraged by the odds he’ll inevitably face in life. This inspiring piece of literature offers a look into the strength and resilience of the black experience.
The Negro Speaks of Rivers (1921): Widely considered to be one of the greatest works by Hughes, The Negro Speaks of Rivers speaks to the story of African-American ancestry by connecting Hughes’ people to different rivers in ancient and modern history.
Early influences on Langston Hughes’ Poetry
It’s no secret that Langston Hughes was heavily influenced by the African-American culture, music and literature. In his youth, he often went to jazz clubs and was enamored by jazz musicians and the blues, which heavily influenced his own poetry. It is also important to note that Hughes was inspired by the works of writers such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, Richard Wright and James Weldon Johnson.
In addition, Langston Hughes was influenced by the works of poets such as Walt Whitman, Carl Sandburg, and also popular poets such as Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Countee Cullen. These writers, with their mix of traditional poetry and modern styles, significantly impacted Hughes’ own writing.
The biggest influence on Langston Hughes’ poetry was undoubtedly the Harlem Renaissance, a movement of the 1920s and 30s defined by an emphasis on African-American culture. This period was a time where African-American artists and writers found an audience and platform to express themselves, to which Hughes’ immediately fell in love with.
Unique Writing Style of Langston Hughes
When looking at Langston Hughes’ poems from a stylistic standpoint, there are a few prominent techniques that one can identify. The most significant of these is Hughes’ use of jazz and blues in his work for narrative and sonic texture. Hughes typically uses the iambic pentameter, a poetic form associated with jazz music, to help create a musical atmosphere within his poems.
In addition, Hughes often uses repetition, as seen in his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” to emphasize an idea or message. This device can be quite powerful when lingered over, revealing carefully chosen implications.
At times, Hughes uses satire and irony to comment on the American political system, or to make poignant and direct comments on social issues. In most cases, Hughes places little emphasis on rhyme and meter, instead he opts to create a structure based upon content.
Legacy and Impact of Langston Hughes’ Poetry
Today, Langston Hughes’ poetry is widely recognized as some of the most influential works of 20th century. His work reflects the ever-evolving and shifting African-American experience, and is often credited for being a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance movement.
Hughes’ poetry has undoubtedly been influential in many aspects of popular culture, from influencing hip hop and rap music, to inspiring modern writers and poets. His lyrics and his sentiment, providing commentary on racism, injustice and the African-American experience, have made a lasting impact.
Langston Hughes has earned his place in the literary canon with his mysterious and vivid use of language and his impactful exploration of cultural themes, many of which continue to be relevant today. His legacy and work will forever be ingrained in the hearts and minds of those who find solace in his stories and words.
Themes and Language of Langston Hughes’ Poems
The main themes that Hughes explored in his poems were the power of African-American culture, acceptance and the irrepressible human spirit. Hughes was not afraid to tackle controversial subjects such as racism and injustice in his poems, and tried to highlight the struggles African-Americans faced at the time. Regarding language, Hughes often avoided highbrow language, instead opting for more accessible and creative forms of expression.
Throughout his work, Langston Hughes sprinkled culture references, often utilizing jazz and blues motifs to create a sonic landscape. His writing was honest, impassioned and sophisticated, often transcending the time period in which they were written. Much like his own life and experience, Hughes’ poetry was characterized by its dynamism, lyricism and hopefulness.
The Connection Between Langston Hughes and Jazz Music
Perhaps the most iconic connection between Langston Hughes and Jazz music came in the form of his 1959 collection of poems entitled “The Weary Blues.” This collection saw Hughes’ attempt to fuse together two of his largest passions, poetry and jazz music, in order to create a unique form of expression.
The Weary Blues” collection is considered to be one of the defining works of Hughes’ career, as it combines jazz and blues-inspired musical patterns with Hughes’ subtle lyrical explorations of his people and their culture. It’s through works such as this that Hughes had earned the name of “Poet Laureate of the Negro Race.”
Critical Reception of Langston Hughes’ Poetry
Since its publication, Langston Hughes’ poetry has been praised as some of the most captivating works of African-American literature of the 20th century. Hughes was often able to evoke emotion from readers through sheer power of his words, making a lasting impression in the process.
Hughes’ works are often noted for their vivid descriptions of African-American life and culture, often painted as a symbol of resilience and power. His use of traditional poetic structures was often seen as unorthodox, but it is considered to have offered a uniqueness to his writing, which was seen as fresh and bold at the time.
In the end, Langston Hughes’ profound and influential poetry will remain as a cornerstone of 20th century literature, celebrating African-American identity and culture while also speaking to larger social issues of its time.
