Symbolism and Allusion in Langston Hughes The Negro...

Symbolism and Allusion in Langston Hughes The Negro Speaks of Rivers In Langston Hughes poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, he examines some of the roles that blacks have played throughout history. Ultimately, the poem asserts that in every one of these aspects the black people have been exploited and made to suffer, mostly at the hands of white people. The poem is written entirely in first person, so there is a very personal tone, even though the speaker symbolizes the entire black race. The examples of each role cited in the poem are very specific, but they allude to greater indignities, relying on the readers general knowledge of world history. To convey the injustice that has taken place, Hughes utilizes the symbolism of the†¦show more content†¦Under the line, Ive been a victim the speaker says, The Belgians cut off my hands in the Congo. / They lynch me still in Mississippi. These lines demonstrate that obviously the speaker is symbolic of the black race, and is not just one person. However, the author wrote them as if it were one person and that proves to be very effective, especially in this stanza. The use of the first person voice allows the author to illustrate suffering in a very personal way, while simultaneously making the statement that each person carries with them the suffering, if not the experience, of past generations. In the second stanza, the poem reads, Ive been a slave: / Caesar told me to keep his door-steps clean. / I brushed the boots of Washington. Both of the two latter lines allude to different historical figures. I brushed the boots of Washington can be interpreted literally, but the greater meaning can be seen through the authors use of symbols. In the poem, Washington, refers to George Washington, the first president of the United States. He has become a legendary figure renown for his honesty and virtue, but as this line demonstrates, even he had slaves who did all of the behind the scenes work so that he could excel. This line could also be interpreted with Washington representing the US when it was still a young country. Brushing the boots of Washington, in turn would mean that black people did all the dirtyShow MoreRelatedExploring the Symbolism and Historical Allusions in Langston Hughes The Negro Speaks of Rivers1311 Words   |  5 PagesDear Professor X, In exploring the symbolism and historical allusions in Langston Hughess The Negro Speaks of Rivers, I hoped to trace the different elements that influenced Hughes and how he viewed himself within the world and society. In the process of examining the poem and beginning to create a structure, I had to not only look at the superficial meaning of what Hughes was saying, but also look for alternative meanings of what he said. Additionally, I had to tie in my knowledge of historyRead More Langston Hughes Essay1049 Words   |  5 Pagesperhaps even in any century, can be compared to Langston Hughes. Hughes wrote with his heart and soul, creating poems that everyone could understand. He expressed love for all races, colors, and religions and did not judge anybody until he had reason to judge them. He wrote to entertain, to inspire, to teach, and to make a point. His way with words made him the most popular and prolific black writer of the twentieth century (Offinoski, 32). Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902