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More handpicked essays just for you.
Racism in literature
Literature and racism
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The short story by Langston Hughes “Thank You Ma'am,” takes place in a community that isn’t the greatest. Roger, a young man, wants new shoes, but he doesn’t have the money nor parents looking after him. Roger resorts to stealing to get the shoes. The women he tried to steal from caught him, but she came from a similar place in the past. The women, Mrs. Jones, feeling empathy took care of the boy, and paid for the shoes. One lesson this story implies is to put yourself in others people's shoes before judging or acting. From the get go, the story shows the woman understands where Roger comes from. Mrs. Jones past made her understand why Roger was trying to steal, so she acts with knowledge of her past, and the understanding of why Roger did what he did. Langston explains Mrs. Jones past “I have done things too, which I would not tell you, son neither tell God, if he didn’t already know.” This text shows that Mrs. Jones stepped in Roger’s shoes when she decided not to take him to the police and take care of him. Mrs. Jones understands where he comes from and remembers how she felt and acted on how he probably felt. …show more content…
Jones, and Roger understood each other and learned for the past is that the boy did not run or steal, and Mrs. Jones trusted him alone with her purse. “Mrs. Jones got up and went behind the screen. The women did not watch the boy to see if he was going to run, nor did she watch her purse, but the boy took care and sat where she could see him.” This shows that Mrs. Jones understood how he felt and put herself in his shoes and knew the bot wouldn’t run or steal. This also proves Roger understood the women, and learned from the past because he knew where she came from and that she is trying to take care of him. He also learned from the past because he didn’t try stealing from her or running off he had second thoughts from his experience from the
Although Langston Hughes’ “Why, You Reckon?” is a short story, it encapsulates differences between races and classes in American society. The story highlights the desperate and hopeless lives of poor African-Americans in Harlem, New York, who would do anything just so they can fill their stomachs. Hughes adds a contrast by putting in a white man who uses his money and privileges to try to experience the exuberance of Harlem but fails to do so. Written in 1934, during the peak of racial divide in America, Langston Hughes’ “Why, you reckon?” shows that real experiences, not money, contribute to happiness.
In addition to being superficial, Jones's daughter is also a very selfish person. She left her husband, left her 6-month-old daughter, and her dog with her father and took off for Mexico (93). This is a selfish act because she has a total disregard for her father's lifestyle and for the hardship he is going through with his wife in the hospital. She does not consider that this would be an inconvenience for her father. Her selfishness is again shown by the fact that she has a total disrespect for the differences of life styles between she and her father. This is shown in the text readings, "His daughter speaks about the men she has been involved with but no longer cares about," and the previous sentence, " Naturally this pains Jones," speaking of the fact that his daughter was having an affair with an older man (95). She is also selfish in the fact that while her mother is in the hospital almost dying, she is, "walking along the beach in Mexico with two men", and even when her mother comes home from the hospital, she is, " in Mexico wandering disinterestedly through a jewelry shop" (96,98).
One friend kills another. Speeches are presented. A war breaks out. This is the story of Julius Caesar, the emperor of Rome who was killed by Brutus and a group of conspirators. Many argue that Brutus was a patriot, and many argue that he was a betrayer. People argue that he was a betrayer because he betrayed Caesar’s trust and gave a speech against him. However, when you think of Caesar’s personality, arrogant and slightly reckless, he could’ve made bad decisions and caused Rome a great deal of trouble. Brutus was a patriot to Rome since he did what was best for the country and even took his own life instead of running away. He put his own feelings aside to do what was right.
Hesiod’s Theogony and the Babylonian Enuma Elish are both myths that begin as creation myths, explaining how the universe and, later on, humans came to be. These types of myths exist in every culture and, while the account of creation in Hesiod’s Theogony and the Enuma Elish share many similarities, the two myths differ in many ways as well. Both myths begin creation from where the universe is a formless state, from which the primordial gods emerge. The idea of the earth and sky beginning as one and then being separated is also expressed in both myths.
Distinctively visual language and cinematic techniques highlight to the responder the particular literal and metaphorical experiences characters are faced with, within a text. Peter Goldsworthy’s novel Maestro, Don McLean’s song ‘Vincent’ and the intriguing film Australia by Baz Luhrrman, explore the ways in which the human experiences of an individual’s connection to landscape is fundamental in shaping one’s sense of identity, personal growth and development. Composers further explore the realisation that our lives can be enriched by an understanding and appreciation of art as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of love and lust. The depiction of characters is conveyed through distinctively visual images to highlight the subsequent development of courage and resilience leads responders to a deeper understanding of how human experiences can create a sense of individuality.
Prejudice is a cancer that spreads hate among its perpetrators and victims alike. In 1930 Langston Hughes penned the novel, Not Without Laughter. This powerful story, written from the perspective of an African-American boy named James “Sandy” Rodgers, begins in the early 1900’s in the small town of Stanton, Kansas. Through the eyes of young Sandy, we see the devastating impact of racism on his family and those they are close to. We also see how the generations of abuse by whites caused a divide within the black community. Among, and even within, black families there were several social classes that seemed to hinge on seeking equality through gaining the approval of whites. The class someone belonged to was determined by the color of their skin, the type of church one attended, their level of education, and where an individual was able to find work.
In “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes, the hero is Mrs. Jones because she made a positive change by teaching Roger a valuable lesson on right from wrong. “He did not want the woman not to trust him. And he did not want to be mistrusted now.” (Hughes, 3). This quotation suggests a shift in character, because Roger went from trying to steal Mrs. Jones’ purse to wanting to gain her trust. In order for that to happen, Mrs. Jones must have affected Roger in a way that caused him to rethink his actions. “The boy wanted to say something else other than ‘Thank you, ma’am’ to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but he couldn’t do so as he turned at the barren stoop and looked back at the large woman in the door.” (Hughes, 3). Roger’s wanting to thank Mrs. Jones shows readers that not only was he surprised by Mrs. Jones’ forgiveness towards him but he was thankful
Another example of Hughes’s constant struggles with racism and his inner and thoughtful response to that is clearly seen when he recalls being denied the right to sit at the same table. His point of view identifies that he was not able to sit at the table because he was an African-American. Yet, he remains very optimistic in not letting his misfortune please what is considered the “white-man” in the poem. Langston Hughes’s states,
A slum neighborhood located in “Yes, Ma’m” and a brilliant train carriage in “The Storyteller” create the setting for this compare and contrast essay. These short stories are similar in that their themes both focus on negative objects, but play them into a positive light. However, their suggested themes are different in that “Yes Ma’m” tells the reader to not believe in people by where they live, but “The Storyteller” communicates to not judge something based on its formality. Langston Hughes’s “Yes Ma’m” has an implied theme found anywhere, “nice people can be found even in the lowest places on the planet.” Another true theme belonging to Saki’s “The Storyteller,” reads, “Sometimes the most improper story is the best one.” Both main messages are true, and provide a very keen focal point for the reader to enjoy.
In stating this Mrs. Jones herself has shown weakness in her lifestyle.&nb now opened a door for the boy, in showing him through another statement that intended that it was still wrong to make an attempt to steal someone’s pocketbook, but you could still get away with the crime. From the events in the story, the most obvious and penetrating theme would be that Mrs. Jones taught the boy a valuable lesson by taking him in and pampering him. But, by using the methods of deconstruction and digging deeply into the true theme of the short story, you will find a recessive theme, secondary to the obvious. In “Thank You, Ma’am,” the apparent theme is not as it seems, and the true seemed like a strong role model for the boy, but truly set a poor example for the boy by convincing him, not knowingly, but in her sub-conscious, that it is admirable to steal and beg for things that you do not have and want. A very important lesson could be taught within either theme, and in the end it is a fight between two old enemies, good and evil. & nbsp;
The poems, “I, Too” by Langston Hughes and “Incident” by Countee Cullen employ visual imagery, tone, literary devices such as hyperboles, symbolism, and foreshadowing in different ways to illustrate the public life interaction between two different races, and the private life of an African American’s internal struggle of not being able to fight against the prejudice towards them. Both poets share racism as their piece of life, and although dealing with racism is the central tension engaged in the poems, Cullen suggests that experiences can affect your view on life and change your attitude. Hughes on the other hand, proposes that with an optimistic attitude you can change the outcome of your future, and that your attitude is independent from past experiences.
“Thank You Ma’am”, by Langston Hughes, is a story that communicates an effective message. Throughout the short story, there are many elements of author’s craft that Hughes uses to convey the message. To begin, Hughes uses economical diction, to make the story straightforward. Instead of using long-winded, extraneous diction, Hughes writes very simply and in a straightforward manner. For example, in the text, it states, “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails. It had a long strap, and she carried it slung across her shoulder,” (Hughes 1). As can be seen, the author clearly does tries to make the scene brief. The author didn’t go into further explanation about the women’s characteristics. He only informed the reader about one single characteristic. The purse had exactly no characteristics besides the fact that it could be slung across a shoulder. No texture, feel, or any characteristic was given to the woman's purse. By making the story straightforward, the economical diction makes the reader stay focused. When an author explains too much about an insignificant matter in the story, many readers will get bored because the story is not moving at an adequate pace for them. Furthermore, the author, uses economical diction closer to the end of the short story, “After he had dried his face and not knowing what else to do dried it again, the boy turned around, wondering what next. The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall,” (Hughes 2). This economical diction towards the end of the story, by making the events more straightforward, makes the story conclude very intriguingly. By not elaborating excessively towards the end, Hughes conveys his message more clearly.
Mrs. Jones’ challenge is when Roger tries to steal her pocketbook. This struggle is displayed in the third sentence of the first paragraph “...when a boy ran up behind her and tried to snatch her purse.” This is the first time Roger and Mrs. Jones interact and this event initiates the rest of the events in the story. She reacts to this situation at first by defending herself and her belongings, this is stated in paragraph 1, which states “The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter. Then she reached down, picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled.” However, Mrs. Jones treats Roger kindly by bringing him into her kitchenette and letting him get replenished. Examples of these actions are in sentences and dialogue like “Then, Roger, you go to that sink and wash your face,” said the woman…”, “You gonna take me to jail?” asked the boy, bending over the sink. “Not with that face, I would
“Prince among slaves” is a powerful monograph with a wonderful writing and an interesting book to read for any age. It is a great monograph of an African prince who eventually becamea salve in the America in late 1700’s. Although it is good, and an interesting material to read by the author of this book, Alford evoke his readers in order to make the audience busy in
Water quality is an issue the public of Auckland city reflect on during the summer time. Human and natural factors can contribute to creating a potential health risk for people who are considered to be in primary contact with the water. Primary contact is when an individual has direct contact with the water and can submerge themselves; examples include, swimming, surfing or water sports. Human activity such as agriculture run-off, storm water or sewage discharge can result in a rise in microbiological contamination (Ministry for the environment, 2013). Weymouth beach and Cox’s Bay can be discussed in regards to their permanent health warnings and what management regimes have been put in place. Water quality is monitored and health effects managed by a number of organisations, enabling the public to assess whether beaches are safe to swim in. The primary government organisations are the Auckland city council and the Ministry for the Environment (MFI). Management of areas with poor water quality include putting up signs and closing off beaches. This essay will discuss and critique the methods conducted to communicated and manage the issue of water quality in recreational beaches within Auckland city to protect the public’s health.