Student Question

Why are children in "Salvation" referred to as "lambs" and what are its connotations?

Quick answer:

In Langston Hughes’ “Salvation,” the children are referred to as “lambs” because lambs symbolize innocence and purity and children are considered innocent people. This is also a reference to Jesus, who is considered “the lamb of God” and “the good shepherd.” The church suggests that if the children follow Jesus, he will show them the way.

Expert Answers

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In Langston Hughes’ “Salvation,” he recalls attending a religious revival with his aunt as a child. At this revival, children are encouraged to signal that they have found Jesus, but nothing happens to him, and he becomes disillusioned with religion.

The children who are present are referred to as “young lambs” who must be brought into the fold. There is a great deal of symbolism in this image of the lamb. In the Bible, John the Baptist refers to the figure of Jesus Christ as the “lamb of God,” a reference to how Christians believe he sacrificed himself (like a lamb) for mankind’s sins. Jesus is also depicted as a good shepherd, a person who herds sheep.

The comparison of the children to young lambs thus connects them to potential followers of Jesus and members of the Christian community. The image suggests that if these young people follow Jesus, he will guide them through life and to salvation like a shepherd leads his flock of sheep.

Lambs are also historically seen as a symbol of innocence and purity, particularly in Christianity. By referring to the children as young lambs, the church thus also characterizes the children as innocent young creatures who can maintain their innocence by following Jesus.

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