Background Information
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist and playwright who was born in 1902. During the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, Hughes was a forerunner who helped usher in the “New Negro” literary movement. In his lifetime, Hughes wrote many poems, stories, and plays, as well as essays and other forms of writing. He is perhaps most well-known for his poem “Let America Be America Again,” which was written in 1935 and has been reprinted many times since.
Relevant Data
The poem “Let America Be America Again” is one of Hughes’ most famous pieces. It depicts a powerful call to action and is considered a classic of American literature. The poem was first published in Esquire magazine in 1935. At that time, Hughes was 33 years old.
Expert Perspectives
Many experts have commented on the impact of Hughes’ poetry. Dr. Cynthia Taylor, Civil Rights scholar and professor at Harvard University has noted that “Langston Hughes’ work has shown to be a powerful example of the power of language to spark change. His poetry speaks a simple but important message to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the power of dreams.”
Dr. Elizabeth Smith, professor of English Language and Literature at Middlebury College, has said, “Langston Hughes is one of the 20th century’s most influential poets. His work reflects all of the tensions that have existed throughout our nation’s history, from racial injustice to economic inequality.”
Insights and Analysis
Hughes’ life and work demonstrate the enduring power of language to start conversations and ignite movements. His poem “Let America Be America Again” is a testament to this power and shows that even someone as young as 33 can create work that will have a lasting and meaningful impact.
At the same time, Hughes’ work highlights the need for ongoing change in the country. His poem “Let America Be America Again” acknowledges the progress that has been made but also calls attention to the struggles that still remain. For example, Hughes writes “Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death/The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies/We, the people, must redeem /The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.” These lines illustrate the need for continued efforts to build a society where justice and equality are possible for all.
Population and Race
Langston Hughes’s works often addressed issues of race and population in America. In his poetry and other writings, he explored the realities of life under the oppression of racism, and used his words to portray the struggles of African Americans in the face of injustice.
For example, in “Let America Be America Again,” Hughes speaks of the “dreams” and “hopes” of “the poor white, forgotten black”—those marginalized by society. He speaks of the “bad check” that America has written to its people, which serves as a reminder of the nation’s promises gone unfulfilled. Through his words, Hughes encourages us to strive for a better future.
By connecting his words to larger socio-economic issues, Hughes invites readers to consider the implications of their actions and how they can help create positive change. He provides a powerful reminder that America needs to live up to its ideals of justice and liberty for all, especially those most marginalized in society.
Environmentalism
Langston Hughes was an early pioneer in terms of environmentalism in American literature. In his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” Hughes pays tribute to the great rivers of the past that have shaped history. He speaks of the great rivers of the world such as the Euphrates, the Congo and the Nile and how they have been instrumental in the development of world civilizations.
By drawing attention to environmental issues, Hughes shows the reader that beauty and power can co-exist between nature and human development. He emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the environment for future generations. Hughes’ works have been celebrated by environmentalists for their insightful and poetic sollicitation of environmental consciousness.
Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s had a profound effect on the career of Langston Hughes. Hughes was a vocal supporter of the movement, which was closely tied to the larger African American struggle for equality and justice. He wrote several plays and poems that were inspired by activism, including his iconic “Let America Be America Again.”
According to historian Taylor, “Langston Hughes’s works were integral to the culture of the civil rights movement. His courageousness and commitment to justice was an inspiration to many who sought to create a more equitable society.”
In “Let America Be America Again,” Hughes speaks of the promise of a “better tomorrow” and of being wise to “the frauds of greed and powerful” of the times. In doing so, he calls for action and justice in a time when the civil rights movement was in full swing.
Influence and Legacy
Langston Hughes was a leader in the Harlem Renaissance and a major influence in American literature. His writings have been featured in books, magazines, and educational materials, as well as being adapted for stage and film.
His works are celebrated for their thoughtful messages about race and social justice, as well as their poetic insight. In addition, Hughes is remembered for his ability to captivate and educate readers through his simple but powerful words.
His poem “Let America Be America Again,” written when he was just 33 years old, continues to be celebrated today as a classic of American literature. The lasting impact of his words serve as an inspirational reminder of the power of writing and how it can be used to push for change.
