Analysis Of Life Is Fine

890 Words2 Pages

Mi'esha Straughn
Dr. Willis
English 101/102 Mini Term
3 September 2017
The Verge of Suicide with Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is one of the most influential poets of our time. Throughout his career, Hughes has remained consistent in the publication of infamous poems. “Life is Fine” was written by Hughes and published after his untimely death in 1967. Although “Life is Fine” is not among his most popular works, Hughes gives readers an insightful view of suicide. Not only does this poem show sadness and vulnerability, it also gives readers a sense of hope and perseverance. Through the use of imagery, tone, and sensory details, Hughes enlightens readers on the recognition and refusal to succumb to suicide.
When initially reading Hughes’s “Life is Fine”, I felt insouciant. However, after critically reading this poem, I have a different reaction. Since this poem is written in first person point of view, the reader experiences the narrator’s situations first-hand. The first two stanzas of “Life is Fine” introduce the reader to the main problem in the work. This section of the poem describes the narrator’s first attempt at suicide. By jumping in the river and sinking, the narrator impulsively tries to kill himself. He says, “If that water hadn’t a-been so cold/ I might’ve …show more content…

The reader is left feeling elated and hopeful for a light at the end of a dark tunnel. This poem lets readers know that there is always a better way to handle tough situations and to never give up. As Hughes shows a cycle of depression, he also exhibits the overwhelming defeat of suicide. Overall, I love this poem and the motif it portrays to readers. Even though “Life is Fine” is not categorized as the best poem written by Langston Hughes, it gives a moving message that should be recognized more often, not only to readers and students, but to everyone who needs a push of

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