Introduction

The short story "Home" was first published in Esquire magazine in 1934 and later reprinted in The Ways of White Folks. Written by Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the story explores racial tensions and violence in the American South.

"Home" takes place during the worst years of the Great Depression, when economic hardship further strained already fragile race relations. Set against this backdrop of segregation and bigotry, "Home" shines a light on the dangers faced by Black Americans in the Jim Crow South, particularly the ever-present threat of violence for even the most innocent actions.

Plot Summary

The story opens with Roy Williams, a young Black violinist, returning home to his small Missouri town after years abroad. Despite the wealth he witnessed in Europe, Roy had been unnerved by all the poverty in cities like Vienna and Berlin. This has left him with a deep sadness and even premonitions of his own death. Roy decides to return home, motivated by an illness and a longing to see his mother again.

In his hometown, Roy steps off the train. He looks sharp in a suit and is carrying luggage with foreign stickers, which draws stares and racist comments from the white townspeople in the station. One white man, Charlie Mumford, recognizes him, and they exchange a brief, awkward greeting. They had been childhood playmates despite their different races. Roy momentarily forgets he is not in Europe, and shaking the hand of Charlie, a white man, is likely to attract unwanted attention. 

As Roy struggles with his bags, the casual use of a racial slur cuts deep. In that moment, despite being abroad for years, the sting of racism reminds him exactly where he is - back home in the segregated South.

For the first time in half a dozen years he felt his color. He was home.

Roy's mother is thrilled to have him home and fusses over him, offering him his favorite foods and praising his nice clothes. Despite his thin appearance, she sees him as handsome and talented. 

Roy's mother mentions that the white townspeople have heard of him, and a white woman wants him to play at her house. However, Roy's mother shuts this down. She protectively asserts that he will not be playing at individual homes. Instead, she arranges a concert at the church, a more public and controlled setting where everyone can pay to hear him play, regardless of race.

Despite being unwell, Roy performs the concert. The event brings the entire community together, with Black and white residents filling the pews of Shiloh Church. The front rows, priced at fifty cents, are occupied by white attendees, while the remaining seats hold the Black residents who paid a quarter. 

Even church rivalry fades as Methodists and Baptists come together to hear Roy perform. A buzz of excitement fills the air as women dressed up for the occasion arrive, their faces powdered and their laughter hushed with anticipation. The allure of artistic talent is enough to temporarily bring a divided community together.

While he plays a work of Brahms on the violin, Roy imagines himself performing on a grand stage. However, he recognizes that he is far from his dream and instead plays in his small hometown church for a mixed audience. Even so, Roy feels a responsibility to deliver a beautiful performance. He dedicates the music to his mother and the audience, connecting his love for music and his hometown.

After the concert, both Black and white audience members express their appreciation for Roy's performance. Despite feeling ill, Roy maintains...