Background Information on Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an iconic African American writer, poet, playwright, and columnist who was active in the 1920s to 1950s during the Harlem Renaissance movement. He is considered one of America’s most prolific authors with a notably inventive and distinct style. He wrote novels, collections of poetry, and essays, gained fame due to his work that adroitly captured the struggles and the heart of Black lives in America during this turbulent era. His themes, which constantly addressed the experiences of African Americans during Jim Crow, racism, and other forms of bigotry, offered a unique perspective during the Harlem Renaissance.
Langston Hughes’s writing also incorporates complex metaphors and symbolism to explore the link between nature and feeling, good and evil, and the conflict between rich and poor. Examples of his writing can be seen in his works such as “The Weary Blues”, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, and “Montage of a Dream Deferred”. His most famous works include, “Negro”, “The Negro Mother,” and the “Harlem Renaissance”. He collaborated with many of the prominent writers and poets of that time and was interested in the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgement.
Significance of Langston Hughes
The relevance of Langston Hughes’ writing has been felt in the lives of many African Americans, and has impacted the way African Americans were represented and viewed in American culture. His work had a major effect on other African American writers who followed, as well as influencing the development of jazz and blues music. Hughes’ work is considered classics and was viewed as one of the antecedents of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 70s.
In addition to his creative accomplishments, Langston Hughes was also a civil rights activist and a nationally recognized national figure and icon of activism, who believed in the unity of African Americans and the power of speaking out against oppression and racism. He marched for civil rights, and penned articles and poems that inspired millions. He gave voice to his generation of African Americans and stands out among the most influential and iconic African American writers in American literary history.
Cause of Death of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes passed away in New York City at the age of 65, on May 22nd 1967, after a long battle with cancer. He had suffered respiratory and heart problems for years prior to his death, issues that were likely caused by smoking too many cigarettes. As such, it is highly likely that his death was caused by his long-term smoking habits. He was living in the south of France in 1962 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which spread to his liver, ultimately leading to his untimely death. In the months before his death, Hughes composed some of his most famous works in the hospital.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes’ legacy is colossal and continues to fluence so many writers, playwrights, and musicians around the world. He achieved recognition from both the general public and from literary giants such as Sinclair Lewis, T.S. Eliot, and William Faulkner who in 1934 called him the “Poet Laureate of the Negro Race.”
At the same time, he was renowned around the world, being one of the most influential African American authors and having his work translated into several languages. His work has been featured extensively in universities, catalogs and high school curricula throughout the world. He is now widely considered as America’s national poet and a legend of American poetry.
Today, Hughes also has many schools, housing projects, sculptures and roadway signs that carry his name. His autobiographical writings, such as his autobiography “The Big Sea”, have also been adapted into film.
Criticism of Langston Hughes
Despite his immense impact and influence, Langston Hughes was one of the most controversial African American writers of the 20th century. His style was often seen as overly-simplistic and uninspiring, while his sympathies to the political left led to him being branded a “fellow traveler”. He was accused of lacking a cohesive literary philosophy and failing to criticize communism as intensely as he should have.
He was further criticized for his tendency to be derivative of other African American writers and for using language that was seen as too colloquial for the more mainstream periodicals such as The New Yorker. To some, his writing style seemed to romanticize African American life, rather than bring the issues to light. All of this criticism however could not overshadow the fact that Langston Hughes’ work had an immense effect and was as influential to his time as it is to ours.
Reception of Langston Hughes’ Work
Most of Langston Hughes’ work was positively received by readers. His novels, plays, poems, and essays were acclaimed by a range of people, from those on the political left and the right. His writing is considered to be some of the purest literature of the Harlem Renaissance and was recognized for its unique and often haunting views and powerful indictments of racism.
He was praised for his ability to express the oddities and idiosyncrasies of African American culture as well as presenting an insightful view of the psychological, spiritual and poetic aspects of African American life and experience. His works, especially his poetry, were largely well received.
Posthumous Recognition of Langston Hughes
Following Langston Hughes’ death, he has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and a posthumous National Book Award for non-fiction for his 1969 autobiography. In 1981, he was inducted into the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
In 1992, a U.S. postage stamp, featuring his image, was issued and in 2005, the United States Postal Service honored him with a 67-cent commemorative stamp. He was also inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2001, and the College of William & Mary awarded him an honorary degree in 2012.
Contribution of Langston Hughes to Black Literature
The impact of Langston Hughes’ writing on African American literature and culture cannot be overstated. His work, which is filled with vibrant imagery, drew on African American idioms and dialects, an unknown element in literature of the time in America. This memorable writing style transformed African American literature, allowing for a more diverse, true-to-life reflection of an African American experience and making it more accessible.
In addition to his renowned works, he also established a number of publications, such as “Opportunity Magazine” and “The Negro Digest”, which were pivotal in providing a platform for African American writing at a time when few outlets were available. He also served as one of the lead advisors of the Federal Theatre Project. Together, these works served to boost the visibility of African American authors and stories that would have otherwise remained obscure.
Influence of Langston Hughes on Modern Music and Poetry
The work of Langston Hughes continues to have an immense effect on modern music and poetry. His works have been referenced in several songs, including Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, Jay-Z’s “My First Song”, and Tupac’s “Words of Wisdom”. The legacy of Langston Hughes can also be seen in the works of numerous High-profile writers such as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison.
Hughes’ work has continued to remain relevant in music today, inspiring and influencing the newest generation of Hip-hop, jazz, soul, and blues artists.
Perhaps the most notable influence of Langston Hughes is his lasting impact on modern poetry. His lyrical writing style and clever metaphors set him apart from other poets of his time. His writing style has been adopted by many contemporary poets, and his example is still remembered and celebrated in modern day poetry. His influence endures, and through his legacy, he has opened the door for many African American voices.
Conclusion of Langston Hughes’ Role in American History
Langston Hughes’ work and life have left an undeniable mark in American history and culture. His contributions to literature, art, and civil rights movements remain as for influential today as ever before. His writings marked a turning point in U.S. history and shaped the way African Americans were represented and viewed in American culture. His writing style has been adopted by many contemporary poets, and his example is still remembered and celebrated in modern day poetry.
Today, Hughes’ work and example have proven to be a source of pride and inspiration for many African Americans, as he continues to be an iconic figure for those who strive for justice and equality. His life and work continues to be celebrated and remembered.
