Salvation by Langston Hughes: An exploration of themes
Langston Hughes is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century. His works often touched upon subjects of race and religion, and “Salvation” is no exception. Published in 1940, this short story is centered around a young boy’s experiences in an African Methodist Episcopal church and his struggle with understanding the concept of salvation.
The protagonist is a young boy who attends church with his Auntie Reed, who is a devout Christian. Upon arrival at the church, the boy is filled with excitement at expectations of a euphoric “salvation” experience. When asked by his Sunday school teacher to come up to the altar, the excitement suddenly changes to confusion and fear at the idea of actually confessing sins.
Without revealing his insecurities, the child pretends to have had a “salvation” experience and is rewarded with the attention his aunt deserves. His ensuing shame and guilt become too much to bear, and he is honest about his lack of conversion that same to her. Hughes explores the themes of spiritual dishonesty amongst his young protagonist and encourages his readers to question their own spirituality.
The poem further brings to light the expectations placed on young people to conform and the fear associated with resisting conforming. Through the poem, Hughes provides a unique perspective into the complexities of the black experience in mid-twentieth-century America. He highlights the expectations of how people should behave in church and the lack of authenticity to which some people are expected to conform.
Through its vivid language and point of view, Hughes’ “Salvation” has enabled many readers to better understand their own experiences of religion and faith. During a time when American society was transitioning between different beliefs and practices, “Salvation” is a powerful exploration of the struggles young people face with the pressures of conforming to expectations of those bigger and more powerful than them. The poem touches upon timeless themes such as guilt, conformity, and redemption and has provided comfort and guidance to many readers.
Analysis of the Central Idea of Salvation
The core idea in Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” is a critique of religious institutionalization in mid-20th century America. Through his young protagonist, Hughes is able to draw attention to the hypocrisy of how established churches sought to control and manipulate the congregation. He highlights the ways in which the institutionalization of religion brings about power and prestige for those in the leadership position. This is seen in the poem when the protagonist refuses to believe he has been “saved” even though he has done what his aunt wants him to do.
Additionally, Hughes is able to reveal the struggle of the individual to stay true to their beliefs and practices while trying to fit into society. From the young boy’s perspective, Hughes’ poem is a commentary on how religious practices have strayed too far from genuine faith and spirituality. This can be seen in the poem’s conclusion when the young protagonist realizes he does not have a ‘connection’ with God, and looks for an escape from the church’s expectations.
Societal Expectations And The Loosing of Innocence
A foundational theme in “Salvation” is the loss of innocence. The young protagonist is faced with a set of expectations and beliefs adopted by the elders of the African American community that he finds difficult to accept. By having the child’s perspective, Hughes is able to give readers a sense of empathy and understanding when faced with societal pressures.
The child’s expectations of a heavenly experience and his confusion and shame when faced with the reality of the situation and the need to pretend in order to fit in is a powerful and relatable experience. Hughes’ poem is a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself and not succumbing to societal pressures. It encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences of conforming to the expectations of the powerful and influential.
The Tone of Hope Throughout the Poem
The poem “Salvation” features various elements of hope, despite the struggles and disappointments experienced by the poem’s narrator. Throughout the poem, the young protagonist is depicted as having strong convictions and a desire to live life to its fullest. Despite being faced with the grim reality of how easily people can be swayed by religious and societal expectations, there is a lingering sense of hope.
The poem’s main character is depicted as possessing an overwhelming sense of courage and resilience; this ultimately leads him to be self-aware and direct his own future. Through his character’s story, Hughes is able to highlight the strength and power of an individual’s faith, even in the face of external pressures.
Conclusion
The poem “Salvation” by Langston Hughes is a multifaceted exploration of faith and the struggle to conform to societal expectations. Through his inclusion of themes such as power and guilt, Hughes is able to bring to life the complex dynamics between the individual and religious institutions. At the same time, the protagonist is allowed to move forward from the powerful expectations of society and stand firm in the belief that true faith can never be shaken.
Langston Hughes’ Cultural Impact
Langston Hughes is not only known for his literary works, but also for his valuable opinions and impact on awareness of the Black American experience. His opposing views during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance were highly influential. Hughes wrote about topics such as racial and economic inequity, providing much-needed awareness and advocacy for African Americans during this time period.
Even today, Langston Hughes’ writings remain relevant, particularly in their importance of social justice. His poems such as “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “Let America be America Again” have become symbols of hope and social progress. Other works such as “Mother to Son” have been highly influential in providing insight into the complexities of African American life.
Significance Of Langston Hughes In Modern Day Literature
The impact of Langston Hughes’ works can be seen in modern day literature. His contribution to the literary world is invaluable, particularly his place as one of the most influential African American writers and social activists of his generation. His writings on topics of race and identity have resonated with generations of readers and provided much-needed insight into the African American experience.
Hughes’ works are not only important in terms of their literary merit, but also for their impact on social consciousness. His stories were powerful enough to challenge the status quo of his lifetime as well as continuing to provide guidance today.
Langston Hughes’ Relevancy In The Current Social Climate
Though Langston Hughes’ writing happened many years ago, its relevance is still directly related to our current climate. Hughes’ writings on topics of oppression and injustice continue to ring true today, now more than ever. His writings have had an undeniable influence on contemporary literature and art, as they shed light on the hardships of the African American experience.
Much like during Hughes’ time, the African American community is still facing struggles today. During this moment of transition, many are looking for guidance and hope for the future. For this reason, Hughes’ writing is still highly relevant. His writings continue to provide perspective, understanding, and courage to those struggling with economic, racial and sexual injustice. Hughes’ works are not only valuable in terms of their literary merit, but also in terms of their social activism.
