Symbolism and Allusion in Langston Hughes' The Negro Speaks of Rivers
In Langston Hughes' poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers", he examines some of the roles that blacks have played throughout history. Ultimately, the poem asserts that in every one of these aspects the black people have been exploited and made to suffer, mostly at the hands of white people. The poem is written entirely in first person, so there is a very personal tone, even though the speaker symbolizes the entire black race. The examples of each role cited in the poem are very specific, but they allude to greater indignities, relying on the readers' general knowledge of world history. To convey the injustice that has taken place, Hughes utilizes the symbolism of the speaker, and alludes to people and things in history, such as George Washington and the Egyptian pyramids.
The poem has six stanzas, and in examining the first line of each, we can see that the first and last are the same: "I am a Negro...I've been a slave...I've been a worker...I've been a singer...I've been a victim...I am a Negro." Under each ...
perhaps even in any century, can be compared to Langston Hughes. Hughes wrote with his heart and soul, creating poems that everyone could understand. He expressed love for all races, colors, and religions and did not judge anybody until he had reason to judge them. He wrote to entertain, to inspire, to teach, and to make a point. His way with words made him the most popular and prolific black writer of the twentieth century (Offinoski, 32). Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902
which the life of Langston Hughes influenced his writing style and use of symbolism in his poetry, including “Mother to Son” and “Cross.” Langston Hughes enjoys providing an abundance of “twoness” and or duality into his poems. While writing Hughes captures the art and culture of African Americans, race and segregation related issues. Also including, imagery, allusions, ambiguity, irony and a seperation of the speaker and poet. Through Langston's poems his includes symbolism to provide us with