Langston Hughes

Introduction

Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902. He is a famous poet, novelist, playwright and columnist of American in the twentieth century. His fame is largely due to his involvement in the cultural movement that rocked Harlem in the 1920's which is more commonly known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Early life

His full name is James Mercer Langston Hughes. He was born in Joplin and was the son of James Nathaniel Hughes and Carrie Langston Hughes. His father abandoned his wife and went to Cuba and then to Mexico due to the prevailing racism in the United States. After separation, Hughes began to live with his grandmother, Mary Langston, as his mother, a teacher, moved seeking different jobs (Joyce, 2004, 136-67). His grandmother had an enormous impact on Hughes life. Through her, he discovered the oral tradition of African Americans who made him feel proud of his race.

Themes of Langston Hughes' Essays

Langston depicted in his works in the lives of black proletarians shared joys, disappointments, hope, etc. all tinged with jazz and blues. Moreover, Hughes later said: "I tried to understand and describe the lives of blacks in the United States and, more distant than any human." Through his work, Hughes sought to show the importance of "black consciousness" and a cultural nationalism that unites people rather than between them. In the years 1950-1960, the popularity of Hughes among the authors African Americans has declined at the same time that it has increased worldwide. He was criticized for not having updated its discourse of "black pride" over the changing status of blacks in the United States has improved in this period. Nevertheless, it remains a formal model for many writers. The history of African Americans is still as rich as well known in France. Hughes' role has been decisive in what ...