Compare And Contrast Langston Hughes The New Superstitions

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Salvation: The New Superstition
Does anyone ever remember the first time someone said the silly childhood saying” Knock on wood.” Or even felt the infamous scare of when a black cat crosses their path because it was said to cause bad luck? These things are cultural superstitions that are normally used when trying to define why the most outlandish things happen to someone during their day. Some superstitions are used as to bring good luck and even protection, for example a young child may keep their blanket to keep the monsters at bay and to bring them comfort when they feel scared or even a Catholic wearing a cross necklace. Some may not agree with a religious figure being related to superstition, but in reality what is the difference between a cross necklace and a stuffed animal? Not much, when reading and comparing Margret Meads “New Superstitions for Old” and Langston Hughes “Salvation” there have been many similarities when between superstitions to the belief in God but one conclusion has been made when comparing both texts: …show more content…

His aunt and the other members of the church viewed the “seeing” of God as something more spiritual and mental, feeling a close connection with him through their mind, body, and soul. The importance of this in Hughes’s story is the difference of views between the two generations. Children take things literal, while adults take things more into consideration when handling with feeling, thoughts, and emotions. The main point of Hughes’s makes is to describe how his experience of being “saved” only caused him to be angry and disappointed at himself. It is a result in his lying to the church and his aunt about reaching salvation and he is feeling very guilty for doing so. These actions eventually leads to his loss of faith in God and transitions from a state of faith to logic and

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