Langston Hughes’ Unique Style
Langston Hughes was an influential African American poet and playwright of the Harlem Renaissance. He is best known for his impactful writing style, featuring sharp insight into the struggles of his culture and fun, often witty wordplay.
For many, Hughes’ writing has captured the struggle and plight of the African American population in a way that few writers have been able to. His simple, yet powerful, use of language has enabled readers to connect with his work. Moreover, the deep emotions Hughes was attempting to communicate shine through with each piece of work he wrote.
The majority of Hughes’ poems are written in a free verse style, often featuring a sharp and rhythmic internal beat. He was a master of making every single word work hard, conveying as much emotion and power into his writing as possible. A few of the other unique characteristics of Hughes’ writing style are:
Firstly, Hughes evoked sentiments of pride and hope for the African American community. In most of his works, he tackles issues of racial injustice and inequality, expressing a desire for the betterment of his people’s plight.
Secondly, Hughes made extensive use of dialect and slang, often referencing the African American vernacular in his works. By doing so, Hughes was able to effectively portray the complexities and emotional fervor of the African American experience.
And finally, one of Hughes’ most compelling characteristics is the use of symbolism and imagery. He often used symbolism as a form of metaphorical expression, allowing readers to think beyond the literal meaning of his words.
Legacy of Hughes’ Writings
Since his earliest works, Langston Hughes has had a profound influence on African American culture and the way young generations connect to it. One of Hughes’ most renowned poems, “I, Too,” speaks to the struggle of the African American identity and the importance of overcoming persecution.
His works were immediately lauded upon its debut and his powerful message could be seen throughout America’s libraries and classrooms. Hughes’ simple, yet informative, writing style is portrayed in an easy to understand manner and his works serve as a source of hope, justice and inspiration.
To many, Hughes’ writing represents the importance of self-expression and awareness of the African American history. His works encouraged African Americans to confront their struggles and celebrate their identity. Hughes was successful in presenting the reality that African Americans face and the mutual understanding that follows.
Given the cultural importance of his works, Hughes was awarded a significant honorary doctorate from both Yale and Harvard in recognition of his talent and the enduring legacy of his writings.
Educational Uses of Hughes’ Works
In recent years, educational institutions have started to recognize the importance of Hughes’ works and incorporate them into their curriculum. Hughes’ works are often used as a foundation for discussing issues of race and civil rights, inspiring young generations to understand the issues that their culture faces and unifying them through shared experiences.
Teachers primarily use Hughes’ work to talk about the resilience of African American culture and to allow young minds to gain an understanding of their own identity and culture. His works have become a staple of educational systems, with some of his most famous works being featured in history, English and African American Studies.
Going further, many teachers have also incorporated Hughes’ works into more creative projects. These educational activities often feature teaching methods such as comparison and contrast and compare his works to those by other poets and writers. This approach allows for further analysis, contextualization and a deeper appreciation of his work.
Final Thoughts on Langston Hughes
When it comes to Langston Hughes and his works, no one can deny the legacy he has left behind. His writing style, his creative approach and unique pose on African American identity has helped shape the way modern generations understand their culture and embrace their history.
No matter how complex the issue Hughes tackles, he always manages to communicate his thoughts in a poetic and powerful manner. For those who enjoy literature and poetry, Langston Hughes will always remain a prominent figure in African American culture, remembered for his inspiring works and all that he has contributed to African American education and understanding of one’s own identity.
Poetic Depiction of African Americans
Hughes was an adept at writing in a way that spoke to both sides of African American life. He didn’t just focus on the oppression and brutality that his people faced, but he also wrote about their joys, successes, daily life, and their celebrations. This approach allowed him to paint a full, multi-dimensional picture of a population that had long been overlooked.
He didn’t shy away from difficult topics, but he also wrote about the beauty of the African American experience. His poem “Harlem” is a good example of this as it speaks to both sides of the coin. He speaks to the frustrations his people feel, but also encourages hope that it doesn’t have to be like this forever.
In his poem “Dreams,” he writes, “Hold fast to dreams, / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird, / That cannot fly.” This verse speaks to the importance of holding onto hope, because without hope there will be no progress. This theme recurs in much of his works and speaks both to his poetic skill and the insight he had.
Freedom in His Writing
Hughes was a writer of many influential poems. He was a champion of civil rights, he sought to convey emotions without restraints and explore non-traditional approaches to storytelling. As a result, Hughes’ writing had a unique sense of freedom to it, in similar ways to jazz music or the blues.
He didn’t just explore the darker aspects of African American life; he also found inspiration in the everyday experiences of his people. Through Hughes’ perspective, he was able to cleverly represent the African American experience in a way that was both accessible and honest.
In his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” Hughes speaks to his ancestry, but in a much broader sense as well. He speaks to the history of the African American people—their strength and accomplishments—in a way that was unprecedented at the time.
Continuing Impact of His Writings
Hughes’ work has continued to have an impact even to present day. Modern poets have adopted his writing style and are still creating art that reflects current issues of race and social injustices. For example, activists in the Black Lives Matter movement have made reference to his works in their fight for justice and equality.
His works have transcended the generations, impacting not only African American culture, but culture at large. His works have brought hope and inspired change, while also preserving history and sharing the African American experience with the world.
Contribution to Representation of African Americans
The importance of Hughes’ contribution to African American representation cannot be understated. Before his time, African American people weren’t discussed in a respectful manner in works of literature, nor were they given a platform to express their own emotions. This changed with Hughes’ emergence.
He refused to be limited by what was socially acceptable and created works of art to portray a unique and exceptional representation of the African American experience. He inspired a generation of artists to do the same and uncover stories of African Americans that had long been ignored.
Since Hughes’ emergence, African Americans have been able to tell their own stories, celebrate their identities and create a stronger sense of self-understanding. Hughes’ works helped to show the world that African American story has a unique beauty and importance that cannot, and should not, be ignored.
