Harlem Renaissance Group

Question:

keita19
keita19
Student
College - Freshman

How did Langston Hughes poems influence the Harlem Renaissance?

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Posted by keita19 on Wednesday April 11, 2007 at 1:32 PM and tagged with harlem renaissance, history.

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  1. jamie-wheeler Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    eNotes Editor

    Hughes's poems influenced the Harlem Renaissance for two reasons. First, because he was elemental in exposing the reality of conditions for African-Americans in the 40s and 50s. But perhaps even more meaningful was instilling both a sense of pride and hope: pride in their culture and hope that the American Dream extended beyond "whiteness."

    Hughes's poem, "I, Too" is a good example of this argument:


    I, too, sing America.I am the darker brother.
    They send me to eat in the kitchen
    When company comes,
    But I laugh,
    And eat well,
    And grow strong.Tomorrow,
    I'll be at the table
    When company comes.
    Nobody'll dare
    Say to me,
    "Eat in the kitchen,"
    Then. Besides,They'll see how beautiful I am
    And be ashamed--I, too, am America.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/jax/index.php/enotes/gsearch?m=co&q...

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    Posted by jamie-wheeler on Thursday April 12, 2007 at 4:41 AM