Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes(1902-1967), one of America's most influential black writers, was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and the literary and artistic movement of the 1920s. He brought African-American writing to the attention of the nation (Janeczko). His poems presented his readers with the history of Blacks, their present state, and what is in store for the future. His main concern was the uplift of his people, whose strengths, resiliency, courage, and humor he wanted to record as part of the general American experience. His poetry and fiction portrayed the lives of the working-class blacks in America, lives he portrayed as full of struggle, joy, laughter, and music. Permeating his work is pride in the African-American identity and its diverse culture. He succeeded in socially and culturally protesting the way African Americans were treated. His use of music and themes helped him accomplish this, and bring the problems of his people to the forefront.

Biography

"My People" "Dreams"

The night is beautiful,
So the faces of my people.

The stars are beautiful,
So the eyes of my people.

Beautiful, also, is the sun.
Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people.

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

"My People" and "Dreams" are two of my favorite poems by Langston Hughes. These poems are short in length, but their meanings are much bigger. I believe these two poems show how Hughes wrote poetry. The words and meanings are simple and direct like a lot of poem Hughes wrote. "My People" represents what kind of person Langston Hughes was. He took great pride in his color and his people, and he wanted to show that everyone is equal through all his works. He socially protested through his poetry and this poem is evidence. Langston Hughes used many literary techniques and elements to incorporate important themes to demonstrate his thoughts on America and Blacks during his time.