Langston Hughes was an esteemed African American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer and columnist who wrote in the era of the Harlem Renaissance. His writings explored topics of racial discrimination and inequality and his works established Hughes as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. But, throughout his impressive career, Langston Hughes wrote far more than poetry and literature. In fact, his written body of work includes numerous books and collections.
Langston Hughes wrote more than sixty books during his lifetime, starting from his first full-length novel “Not Without Laughter” published in 1930. He wrote several other novels, including “The Ways of White Folks”, “Merry-Go-Round in Fawcettville,” and “Give Me a Cool Drink of Water Before I Die”. He also composed several poems, love letters and short stories which were published in magazines, newspapers, and book collections. Numerous collections of his writings have been published during his lifetime and post-humously.
Thomas F. Lassman, an English professor at the University of Michigan, illustrates the breadth of Hughes’ work by saying, “From the best we can tell, Hughes wrote some fifty books of poetry and non-fiction and several children’s books. He wrote two full-length, highly autobiographical novels and a number of short stories; he wrote plays and short operas, including one about Jesus Christ; he wrote for newspapers and periodicals, film scripts and television shows, even a science fiction serial for the Chicago Defender in 1938.”
Particularly impressive is the work Hughes wrote for children. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Hughes wrote a total of 16 books for children, providing them with stories that explored the triumph of good over evil and enlightened them about cultural issues such as racial and gender discrimination. Tom Feelings, author of the 1975 book “The Middle Passage” said, “Langston Hughes was perhaps the first prominent African American writer to produce books specifically for children. His early books presented children with a role model in his protagonist, Simple, a poorly dressed but perpetually optimistic character who, despite all odds, generally succeeded in the end.”
His books addressed complex issues, yet they were still able to connect with readers of all ages, especially young readers. As Maurice Thomas, a literature professor from California State University said, “One of the things people forget about Langston Hughes is the kind of marvelous ability he had to make complex matters simple and to bring out these emotions in people. He was able to make a lot of political points, but still make them fascinating pieces of literature, and those were two things he did all throughout his career.”
Poems and anthologies
Out of the numerous books, Langston Hughes wrote some of the most important works of literature of his time. He wrote many memorable poems, including themes of unrequited and ill-fated love such as “The Weary Blues”, “Merry-Go-Round”, “Dream variations”, “Dreams”, “Suicide’s Note”, and “I, Too”. His most famous poem “Harlem (Dream Deferred)” is a masterpiece which served as an inspiration for various plays, musicals and television shows. He also published at least five anthologies of his work and a collection of his blues lyrics.
Langston Hughes also wrote about poverty, deprivation, segregation, and the lack of equal rights between African Americans of the past and present. He wrote about the struggle of ordinary African Americans and on a much larger scale, about race and politics. Through his works, he moved away from the polished, classical poetry of many of his contemporaries and explored the complexities of Negro life and culture. His masterful works of literature were the voice of the oppressed, and he became an icon of African American culture and history.
Essays and Biography
Langston Hughes wrote several non-fiction essays throughout his life-time. One of his finest works of non-fiction is “The Big Sea”, an autobiography published in 1940, in which he wrote of his struggles and successes during that era. The book was quite successful and was praised for its honest and reflective storytelling. In addition, Hughes wrote several volumes of essays throughout his life, including “My America”, “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain”, “The Collected Works of Langston Hughes”, and “Langston Hughes and the Chicago Defender”.
He was also the subject of several biographies, most notably “The Life of Langston Hughes” by Arnold Rampersad and “The Life of Langston Hughes: Volume II: 1941-1967”. Through the biographies, readers gain a better understanding of Langston Hughes’ life and his various works throughout the years, from his first full-length novel to his plays and children’s books.
Legacy
Langston Hughes’ legacy as an author and playwright will remain for generations to come. As the poet W. H. Auden once said, “It is often said of Hughes that he condensed the history of the Negro people into a few hundred pages.” His works are still widely read and studied today, and his writings will continue to serve as a beacon of light and hope to African Americans everywhere.
In addition, his literary contributions have been recognized by numerous awards, including the Anisfield-Wolf Award, the National Medal of Arts, and the Langston Hughes Medal. Today, Hughes is celebrated as one of the most influential authors and poets of the 20th century and his written works will continue to inspire generations of readers.
Educational Value and Appreciation
In recent years, the educational value of Langston Hughes’ works has been increasingly recognized. His works have identified and celebrated African-American culture, as well as served as a window into the past for many African Americans of his time. His works explore topics such as race, poverty and discrimination, and serve as a reminder that humanity and progress are not just ideals, but a goal and a dream within reach.
Moreover, Langston Hughes’ works have taught the value of appreciation and respect for all people. He wrote on topics outside of race, exploring themes such as love, loss, acceptance, and the human experience. He has taught us to live our lives with passion, courage, and grace.
Critical Analysis
Langston Hughes’ writings are celebrated for their candor and insight. He wrote with a distinct style and his works were often seen as a commentary on the social and political climate of his time. His elegant use of the English language, colorful themes and expressive interpretations of African American experiences made his works timeless pieces of literature.
Though he addressed several controversial and sensitive topics, his works were nonetheless controversial, often triggering both criticism and admiration. Through his works, Hughes exposed the harsh reality of racial segregation and exposed the many facets of racism. He also explored the struggle and resilience of African American people in a time of political and social change.
Conclusion
Throughout his impressive career, Langston Hughes wrote more than sixty books and numerous poems, collections, essays, and plays. His works explored topics of racial discrimination and inequality, and taught readers the value of respect, appreciation and progress. His works are a testament to the impact of literature and his timeless works of poetry and prose will live on for generations to come.
