Langston Hughes and Anthropomorphism

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Recommended: Problems with racism in literature

Age Comes, As Does Society

“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” (Martin Luther King Jr., “I had a dream speech”). Racism, a strong weapon used against equality. Langston Hughes portrayed his view of societal racism in poetry and songs. Quite a strong soldier in the war against prejudice, his train of thought was precisely what society needs, yet fears. Racism should be distinguished, but is as strong as ever. The end of its reign would enhance the ability of minorities in terms of jobs, societal acceptance, and life in general. Langston Hughes communicates his theme of racism and overcoming it through his use of Symbolism, Tone, and Anthropomorphism.

Langston Hughes is very subtle in his poetry when referring to racism. he is breaking through though, the barrier racism has set up. In his poem, he claims that he must “break through the wall” (As I Grew Older, line 22). This “wall” can be seen as racism. The symbolism shows that he (Hughes) wants to literally break through the wall he seems to believe is holding him back from reaching his true potential. The wall is racism! He must therefore destroy this wall, which can be seen as a divide, to bring all the prejudice and hate to a halt. Although there is this metaphorical “wall”, there is also the fact that Hughes says he breaks the wall, implying that he has overcome societies view on what they (society) believes to be correct, when it comes to skin color anyways. He is overcome with the strength to break through all of the twisted, warped views set by society, and to reach his full potential by destroying the “walls” foundations.

Throughout “As I ...

... middle of paper ...

...ety break through the “wall” of racism. He dismantles what society believes to be okay and shows that he can accomplish what he has always strived for. To be equal.

Langston Hughes approaches racism with loud desires being shouted out to end it, but has a brilliant way of showing it a lot more civil-like through his poetry. Through the use of Symbolism, Tone, and Anthropomorphism, we can see how Hughes places his words and writes them to show his true feelings. Overcoming it and enhancing the life of those who are colored, his goal is strived for by every minority. Langston Hughes is incredibly skilled in portraying racism through symbols like “walls” and tone by keeping many parts monotone but shouting three stanzas later. His use of these literary devices help to understand his goal. Establishing equality which is key when it comes to having a unified society.

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