Langston Hughes's Hope for Social Change

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that "Theme for English B" is a poem where Hughes is addressing his white college instructor, recognizing that he is different from the other members of the class, while also suggesting that there are similarities, since both white Americans and black Americans are part of the same America and the same human race. The author points out that "Negro" is a poem where Hughes reflects on the history of the African-American and the negative and positive aspects of being a "Negro". The paper relates that "Harlem" is a poem where Hughes refers to his dream of racial equality, ponders what happens to a dream deferred, and suggests that the dream will end.

From the Paper:

"The main point is that these negative roles are balanced by positive aspects, suggesting that African-Americans do not necessarily have to be in negative roles. Even more important is the first and last verse of the poems. These two verses are the same, with the repetition suggesting their importance. The lines of the verse are, "I am a negro: / Black as the night is black, / Black like the depths of my Africa" (1-3, 17-19). The critical point about the verses is that they do not place African-Americans in any role, but simply recognize basic characteristics. The African-American does have dark skin and does have African heritage."

More papers on Langston Hughes's Hope for Social Change:

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• Comparison Essay # 93892 : "Langston Hughes and Walt Whitman"
• Analytical Essay # 141518 : "Langston Hughes and his Works"

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