The Socio-Political Conditions of America as the Background to Langston Hughes’ Writing Poetry

Answer

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

Langston Hughes (1901-1967) is one of the most influential African American poets of the 20th century. He wrote during a time of significant social and political upheaval in America. His poetry reflects the struggles and aspirations of African American society. It was marked by racial discrimination, economic hardship, and the fight for civil rights. The themes and messages of his poems help understand the socio-political conditions of America.

Racial Segregation and Discrimination: The early 20th century in America was characterized by severe racial segregation and discrimination. African Americans were denied basic rights, subjected to violence, and treated as second-class citizens. In his poem “I, Too” (1926), Hughes addresses this marginalization:  

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

When the company comes, they send the poet to “eat in the kitchen”. The poet remains hopeful that one day he will be “at the table” with everyone else. It symbolizes the resilience of Black people in the face of racial injustice.

The Great Migration and Urbanization:  During Hughes’s lifetime, the Great Migration saw millions of African Americans move from the rural South to northern cities. They search for better economic opportunities and to escape the oppressive conditions of the South. This migration led to the growth of vibrant Black communities in cities like Harlem. It became a hub for African American culture. In “The Weary Blues” (1926), Hughes shows a Black musician playing blues on Lenox Avenue, capturing this urban vibe. It reflects the cultural vibrancy and the emotional struggles of urban life.

The Harlem Renaissance: Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. It was a cultural movement during the 1920s that celebrated African American identity and creativity. This period was marked by a flourishing of Black literature, music, and art. It provided a platform for African Americans to express their experiences and challenge racial stereotypes. In “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (1921), Hughes celebrates the rich heritage and resilience of African Americans. The speaker says:

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

The poem embodies the pride and sense of identity that were central to the Harlem Renaissance.

Economic Hardships and the Great Depression: The economic conditions of the 1930s had a profound impact on African Americans, who were already economically disadvantaged. The overall unemployment and poverty further deepened the challenges faced by Black communities. Hughes’s poetry often reflects the economic struggles of his people. For instance, in “Harlem,” he asks, 

What happens to a dream deferred?

This question can be seen as a reflection of the economic hardships that made it difficult for African Americans to achieve their dreams.

The Civil Rights Movement: As Hughes’s career progressed, the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum. It challenged segregation and advocated for the rights of African Americans. Hughes’s later poetry reflects the growing demand for equality and justice. In “I, Too,” the speaker’s assertion, 

Tomorrow,

I’ll be at the table

These lines reflect the rising confidence and determination of the Civil Rights Movement. Hughes’s work became an anthem for the fight against racial injustice. It inspired those who sought to change the socio-political landscape of America.

In termination, Langston Hughes’s poetry is deeply rooted in the socio-political conditions of his time. His work addresses the racial segregation, economic hardships, and the fight for civil rights in early 20th-century America. His poetry remains a powerful reflection of the socio-political challenges of his era and continues to resonate with readers today.