Comparing Langston Hughes 'The Negro Speaks Of Rivers And' I Too

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The Harlem Renaissance brought out artist with different gifts. These individuals used their talent to be their voice, a voice that demanded they be acknowledged as people because they were. Langston Hughes, one of the modernist manifestos of his time. He put his power in words, a versatile and well-known writer. In his literally work “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “I Too”, Langston addresses the oppression of his time and the fight to have a better tomorrow. Langston Hughes will forever be known as courageous artist who shared his worldly experience, personal conflicts, and the demand for recognition. “I built my hut near the Congo” (Hughes. L. 1921). In this one simple but important line, one can get a sense that Hughes travelled and lived life, he not only gained his education through books and lectures but also through experiencing life. Maybe Hughes wanted to spark that curiosity in his readers to also, live life, not simply watch from the side lines. Show others we are as refined, educated, and intelligent as you. Hughes was a …show more content…

Nevertheless, this did not stop Hughes from putting out his work and being a voice for his people. “My soul has grown deep like the river” (Hughes. L. 1921). What led Hughes to write this line that shares the intensity of the things he has seen and done? Hughes wanted to connect with his people. He told them you are not alone in the struggle, I struggle with you. “They send me to eat in the kitchen” (Hughes. L. 1925). At one point in Hughes career his work was being threatened and he had to make the decision to bend a little and conform, this is when he began to release more patriotic poetry. Did that stop Hughes from leaving his foot print on the hearts and minds of his people and others, no it did not. Hughes work said, we will not be dismissed, we will be treated equally, and that is what will always be

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