How are the rivers in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” associated with Negro slavery?

Answer

How are the rivers in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” associated with Negro slavery? [NU: 2019]

Or, How, according to Langston Hughes, are the rivers related to Negro slavery in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” [NU: 2022]

In Langston Hughes’s (1901-1962) “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (1920), the rivers remind the poet the old and rich history of black people. In this poem, the rivers are also related to Negro slavery and the search for freedom.

The Mississippi River: In the poem, Langston Hughes says that he heard the “singing” of the Mississippi River, when Abraham Lincoln traveled on the river to New Orleans. He also saw the muddy river “turn all golden in the sunset.”

The Mississippi River was a place where slavery was very strong. Thousands of enslaved black people were taken, sold, and transported along this river. So, the river is a reminder for the poet of the struggles of Negro slaves.

The “singing” of the river means the voices of slaves who worked, suffered, and dreamed of freedom along its banks. The river becomes a witness to their cries and their survival.

Freedom and Lincoln: The poet links the river with Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the 16th president of America who became the leader to end slavery. The poet writes:

“I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.”

The poet has seen the muddy river “turn all golden in the sunset.” It means the poet sees light of hope for the black slaves.

In short, rivers are deeply connected to Negro slavery in this poem. Especially the Mississippi reminds Langston Hughes of the hard past of slavery, but also the hope of freedom.