Langston Hughes was one of the most celebrated American authors of the 20th century with an impressive body of work ranging from novels to plays, stories, and poems. He was also a leader in the Harlem Renaissance and is known for his social commentaries and works on the African-American experience. So why did Langston Hughes start writing?
Much of what pushed Hughes to pursue a career in writing was his exposure to great literature and poets from an early age. His father exposed him to reading works by great authors such as Shakespeare, and this was a huge influence on his decision to become a writer. In addition, Hughes was deeply affected by books that challenged the prejudicial views of African-Americans which were prevalent in his time. The works of authors such as W.E.B. Du Bois, who wrote about
ating historical events of racial injustice, impacted him greatly.
Furthermore, Langston Hughes was inspired by the great African-American poets of the Harlem Renaissance, including Claude McKay, Countee Cullen, and Jean Toomer. Hughes was especially influenced by the themes of protest and rebellion – themes that he himself later used in his own writing. The movement also gave him a platform to share his work which encouraged him to continue growing as a poet and writer.
The creative talent of Hughes also had a major influence on his decision to become a writer. His mother was a single parent who often criticized and rejected his creative endeavors. Despite this, Hughes could not deny his passion for the written word and decided to pursue it despite its risks. He found solace in his writing, and used it as an outlet to express his feelings and creative ideas.
Another factor in Hughes’s drive to become a writer was his desire to tell the stories of the African-American experience in a way that had never been done before. He wanted to put the injustices and oppression of African-Americans into words and make sure it was heard in the mainstream media. By doing this, he aimed to challenge the contemporary cultural and social norms of the time, and bring a level of acceptance and understanding to African-American history and culture.
Hughes’s determination and passion for writing ultimately made him one of the most important voices of the Harlem Renaissance. His work also influenced future generations of African-American writers and enforced his legacy as a great American poet.
The Impact of Langston Hughes’ Writing
Langston Hughes had a great impact on the African- American experience through his writing. His works opened the door for other African-American writers to tell their stories and express their feelings in their own words. He also showed that it was possible to challenge the conventional views of the time without becoming consumed by it. Many of his poems and stories became powerful symbols of strength and resilience and still live in our consciousness today, even long after his death in 1967.
Hughes brought to light the realities of being an African-American in the early 20th century and gave voice to the experiences of oppression and racism. He tackled themes such as identity, poverty, suffering, and racial injustice in his works and shed light on the disparities between different ethnic groups. This ignited a new interest in African-American history and culture, and Hughes was one of the first authors to bring this kind of awareness to the mainstream. Since then, African-American literature has been gaining more recognition and respect in the literary world.
His work was also one of the first to bring together the civil rights movement and literature. Hughes used his writing to bring attention to the need for social change and to lift up the African-American community. His works gave courage and hope to those who were oppressed and had to live in fear and uncertainty in the face of racism and inequality.
Langston Hughes’ Legacy
Langston Hughes was a true pioneer in American literature and worked hard to break racial barriers of the time. He was one of the first African-American authors to gain fame for his writing and paved the way for other black poets and authors to follow. His work has often been hailed as revolutionary and has become an integral part of the American literary canon.
Hughes wrote with a passion and intensity that has inspired generations of writers and poets. His vivid descriptions of social injustice and his powerful portrayals of African-American life have kept his legacy alive and his words still resonate in today’s world. He is a reminder that we all have a voice, even if it is subdued. His works will always be remembered as a testament to the power of the written word and the importance of speaking truth to power.
The Influence of Langston Hughes Today
Langston Hughes’ work is still highly regarded as some of the best American literature of the 20th century. His writings on the racial divide, racism, and social injustice in the United States have been praised for their honesty and insight. His poetry and fiction still remains popular today, and is often used in literature classes to stimulate discussion about the African-American experience in the early 20th century. In addition, his writing has been referenced in many works of art, literature, and film, serving as a reminder of his powerful legacy.
The writing of Langston Hughes serves as a reminder to future generations that it is possible to stand up and fight for what is right, regardless of the opposition. His work shows us that there is power in being heard, and has been a source of inspiration to many. His words have encouraged people to stand up for their rights and to never give up in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes was a pioneer of African-American literature and used his writing to open the doors for other black authors. His works presented the realities of racism and oppression faced by African-Americans and were a reminder to future generations to never give up in the face of adversity. Hughes was not afraid to use his voice to speak truth to power, and his writings have been a source of inspiration to many. His work will always be remembered as an integral part of American literature and a testament to the power of the written word.
