Background Information
Langston Hughes was an iconic poet, novelist, essayist and playwright. He rose to fame during the Harlem Renaissance era. He was known for his works that highlighted the lives of African Americans living in the United States during the early 1900s. Hughes’ works incorporated various themes, such as interracial relationships, racial discrimination and oppression, and the struggle for equality. He is also remembered for his lyrical style of poetry, in which he incorporated themes from popular music and jazz. His works were both influential and inspirational, and his name has become synonymous with African American literature.
Early Life
Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902. He was the son of James Nathan Hughes, who was a businessman and Mary Langston, a teacher. Hughes had a twin brother, who died at the age of six. When Hughes was thirteen, his family relocated to Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended high school and graduated in 1919. He attended Columbia University and Lincoln University but didn’t earn a degree. In 1921, Hughes left the United States to travel abroad and eventually ended up in Paris, where he wrote his first book of poems, The Weary Blues.
Literary Career
Hughes began to be recognized for his writing talent and he went on to publish several books, including Not Without Laughter (1930), Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951) and The Panther and the Lash (1967). His poems are often known for their straightforward language and accessible style. He also wrote articles, editorials, and short stories. In 1940, Hughes was appointed as a consulting editor of the newly founded magazine The American Mercury. In 1943, he was chosen as the leader of the American Negro Exhibit at the 1944 Summer Olympics held in London. He was also the leader of the Pan-African Congress in 1945.
Legacy
Langston Hughes died on May 22, 1967 in New York City. He was 65 years old. After his death in 1967, numerous awards were created in his honor. In 1968, the Langston Hughes Cultural Center opened in Chicago. The Langston Hughes Awards, given annually by the Langston Hughes Society and published in Langston Hughes Review, honors his legacy. He was inducted into the American Poets Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 1979. Today, Langston Hughes remains a prominent figure and an influential voice in American literature and culture.
Personality
Langston Hughes was a passionate and determined individual. He was known for his progressive views as a political activist and his desire to challenge the conventional view of society. He was also an advocate for equality, writing several poems and works of fiction that addressed the issues of poverty, oppression, and discrimination he observed. He believed that literature could be used to investigate and expose the social injustices of the world. He was a champion of African American culture, writing stories that highlighted their struggles and aspirations.
Critical Reception
Langston Hughes’s works were met with both critical acclaim and commercial success. His poetry was cited as revolutionary for its blend of jazz and blues with traditional poetic sensibilities. His plays were well received for their depiction of African American life and culture. Hughes was praised for tackling social issues in his works and for challenging accepted notions about African American literature.
Famous Works
Hughes is most famous for his poem “Harlem” (also known as “Dream Deferred”), which examines the frustrations of living in a racist society and asking what happens to a dream deferred. Other famous works include his novels Not Without Laughter and The Sweet Flypaper of Life, and his collection of short stories The Ways of White Folks. He also wrote plays, essays, and literary criticism.
Famous Quotes
Langston Hughes was known for his inspirational and thought-provoking quotes. Some of his most famous quotes include:
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”
“My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”
“Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid.”
Modern Day Influences
Langston Hughes’s works remain highly influential today. He is often credited with initiating the “Romantic Racialism” trend in African American literature. His works inspired contemporary authors, artists, and musicians. In addition, his works have been adapted for theater, television and film. He has also had a lasting impact on African American literature and culture. His works have inspired generations of readers and writers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Commemoration
Since his death, Hughes has been honored in numerous ways. The Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston Memorial in New York City was dedicated to Hughes and his works in 1994. The U.S. Postal Service created a stamp in his honor in 2002. In 2005, his poem “Dream Deferred” was placed on the walls of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. His iconic works have been translated into more than twenty languages and his influence continues to be felt throughout the world.
