Langston Hughes and Writing
Langston Hughes was a celebrated African American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright of the 20th century. He was best known for his work promoting the civil rights of blacks in the early and mid-20th century. He was very much involved in the arts, particularly printing, and published many works. Hughes wrote openly about the issues of discrimination and social inequality. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that sought to celebrate African American culture through writing and the visual arts.
Hughes was an advocate for African Americans, using his writing and his fame to speak up on issues of injustice. He was a strong defender of freedom and justice, and once said “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”.
The Story Behind ‘Thank You Ma’am’
‘Thank You Ma’am’ is one of his short stories, written in 1958. The story follows the encounter between Roger, a fourteen-year-old African American boy, and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, an elder African American woman. Roger attempted to steal her purse, but Mrs. Jones, surprisingly, was not angry. She was instead kind to him and offered him a bed in exchange for a few jobs. The story follows the interactions between these two characters as Mrs. Jones manages to gain the trust of Roger and teach him a valuable lesson.
The story offers a unique insight into the inner psyche of African American culture and the relationship between African American generations. Hughes was particularly intrigued by the ability of one generation to pass down wisdom to the next. Additionally, it is Hughes’ portrayal of African American society, which makes the story so powerful: a society in which bigotry, racial injustice, and economic inequality are heavily felt.
Importance of the Story
Some of the points addressed in the story are still relevant today, as Hughes wrote about a society that was still struggling for equality and fair treatment. Through the story, Hughes sought to show the importance of kindness and understanding, especially in the face of bigotry and oppression. His portrayal of Mrs. Jones as a kind-hearted, strong woman reveals Hughes’ view of African American community as a powerful one, despite the ever-present suffering.
Hughes believed that literature could be used to convey messages of unity, hope, and understanding. His works were a form of activism, as his words gave voice to those who did not have one. By writing ‘Thank You Ma’am’, Hughes was attempting to show the power of kindness and understanding, as a means of combating racism and suffering.
Role of Education
Additionally, it is important to note that education was a major theme in the story. Throughout the story, Mrs. Jones explains to Roger the importance of learning. Through this, Hughes hoped to convey the importance of education in order to promote understanding and equality in African American communities.
He believed that education was not just about gaining knowledge, but also about gaining an understanding of the world. He believed that education could be used to break down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice. His work was deeply influenced by his own experience of education and how it shaped his understanding of the world.
Hope and Understanding
Ultimately, Hughes sought to portray the idea of hope and understanding between generations of African Americans. The story speaks to the power of kindness and understanding despite the hardships faced by African Americans. Moreover, Hughes sought to show the importance of education for African Americans in order to understand and gain knowledge of the world.
Through his writing, Hughes believed that understanding, unity, and hope could be achieved, and he used ‘Thank You Ma’am’ to remind readers of this fact. He believed that by educating ourselves, we could gain a better understanding of the world and of each other.
Giving Voice to the Disenfranchised
At its core, ‘Thank You Ma’m’ is a story about giving voice to the disenfranchised. By telling the story of Mrs. Jones and Roger, Hughes sought to shed light on the daily struggles of African American people and the platforms they used to fight against injustice.
Through his works, Hughes gave a face and a voice to the voiceless and the marginalized. He was a poet of the people and used his words to convey their struggles. His works were intensely personal and spoke to the emotional struggles of African Americans.
literary Influences and Styles
Hughes’ works were heavily influenced by music, particularly Jazz, Blues and Negro spirituals. He believed that these genres of music could be used to express the emotional and political struggles of African Americans.
In ‘Thank You Ma’am’, Hughes wrote in the dialect of African American people, allowing for a powerful emotional resonance. While some argued that his use of dialect was controversial, Hughes believed that this style of writing allowed for an authentic portrayal of African American life.
Conclusion of the Story
In the end, the story was a testament to Hughes’ beliefs and to his desire to give a voice to African Americans. In the conclusion of the story, Roger returns Mrs. Jones’ purse and expresses that he has learned his lesson. Mrs. Jones smiles and proclaims her faith in him and his future.
Through this conclusion, Hughes was conveying the power of kindness and understanding, as a means to gain certain freedoms. He also believed that education and an understanding of the past could help shape a better future for African Americans.
Hughes View of African American Struggle and Identity
Throughout his works, Hughes championed the African American struggle for economic and social equality. In his works, Hughes sought to redefine African American identity and to emphasize the importance of community and solidarity among African Americans. He believed that through understanding and education, African Americans could gain a stronger sense of identity and unity.
Hughes strongly believed in the power of literature to convey the struggles and triumphs of African Americans and to promote understanding, knowledge, and empathy. He also believed in the power of literature to empower and to educate.
Societal and Political Change
Through his works, Hughes hoped to promote societal and political change. He believed that education, understanding, and unity, amongst African Americans and amongst all people, was the key to progress. He called for an end to discrimination, racial injustice, and economic inequality.
He believed that literature could be used to call for social and political reform and that understanding and openness could help foster a better and more equitable society. He sought to bridge the gap between African American generations and spoke to peoples of all ages and backgrounds.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
The legacy of Langston Hughes lives on today. His works still touch the lives of many and are a testament to his skill and passion as a writer. His works are still celebrated, and serve as a reminder of his views and beliefs.
Though his works, Hughes was able to give a voice to the voiceless and to offer hope and understanding to those in need. Through his passion and conviction, Hughes was able to make a lasting impact on African American identity and culture.
