Langston Hughes as an American poet with reference to the poems you have read.

Answer

Give an estimation of Langston Hughes as an American poet with reference to the poems you have read. [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★

Or, Discuss the socio-political conditions of America as the background to Langston Hughes’ poetry.

Langston Hughes (1901–1967) is one of the most famous American poets of the 20th century. He wrote about the life, history, and struggles of African Americans. His poetry is simple but full of deep meaning. Hughes was the poet of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that celebrated Black culture. In his poems, we see the socio-political background of America—slavery, racism, inequality, and the dream of freedom. He is truly an American poet and a strong voice for the black Americans.

Racial Inequality: In “I, Too, Sing America” (1926), Hughes shows the ugly side of racial inequality in America. To show this, he uses the socio-political condition of America as the background of the poem. In this poem, the speaker is a black man. He calls himself “the darker brother.” Because of his skin color, he is not given respect. He sadly says that he is sent to eat in the kitchen when guests come. He is not allowed to sit at the table with others.

“They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes.”

This shows how Black people are separated and treated as inferior. But instead of crying, he laughs, eats well, and grows strong. He hopes that one day he will sit at the table and eat together. So, Hughes shows the ugliness of racism but also the hope that one day America will accept Black people as equal.

Loneliness and Everyday Struggles: When we read Hughes 1925 poem “The Weary Blues,” we actually take a look at the socio-political condition of America. In this poem, the poet hears a Black musician playing the piano on Lenox Avenue in Harlem. The music is slow, sad, and sleepy. The singer sings:

“I ain’t happy

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