“A look into
Langston Hughes”
by Derrick Warren
dwarren@excapethematrix.com
The Harlem Renaissance is one of the most
transformational periods in the art history of these United States. During this
period, despite continuing tension in the social-political environment
concerning race, the war and economic stability, an extensive
movement
began. Performing arts, visual arts and literature came flying out of New York.
Many names can be recognized when referring to this important period: Zora Neale
Hurston, Richard Wright and James Weldon Johnson may come to mind. Another name
which is the focus of this article, that also made quite an impact, is Langston
Hughes.
"...he was able to transform a few lines or
stanzas into a living, breathing picture."
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born on February 1st, 1902 to Carrie Langston Hughes and James Nathanial Hughes in Joplin Missouri. His inspirations as a story teller as well as his deep seeded racial pride would come after the separation of his parents. Upon the split Langston Hughes was sent to live with his grandmother, who pulled directly from the oral tradition of passing history from one generation to the next. He would pass away at the age of 65 on May 22nd, 1967 from complications after surgery concerning colon cancer.
At a young age in grammar school Langston was
dubbed the class poet, in part because of the ongoing stereotype that “all black
people had rhythm.” Regardless of such a stereotype, the title would ring true
as he grew up. His first published poem would be “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” in
1921. His poetry would have him be rewarded a full scholarship at Lincoln
University in Pennsylvania, where he received a B.A. in 1929.
Hughes’ style of poetry is considered to be in the genre of jazz
poetry, which is defined by its rhythm and seemingly improvised feel. Jazz
poetry would give the impression of the poet playing his “voice” like an
instrument and using the words as notes dancing around the meter. Upon reading
Langston Hughes’ poetry you can see that this rings true with a good number of
his pieces. A poem like “Dream” has a free verse feel to them of the first read,
but you could begin to see the “jazz” come from it upon reading and re-reading:
“Dream”
Last night I
dreamt
This most strange dream,
And everywhere I saw
What did not seem could ever be:
You were not there with me!
Awake,
I turned
And touched you
Asleep,
Face to the wall.
I said
How dreams
Can lie!
But you were not there at all!
The blues were also drawn upon in the writing of his poetry. Much like jazz poetry, his blues poems were deeply related to the structure and rhythm of the music in kind. Repeating lines as well as call and response were used in creating these pieces. Take a look at the poem “Black Maria”:
“Black Maria”
Must be the Black
Maria
That I see,
The Black Maria that I see—
But I Hope it
Ain’t comin’ for me.
Hear that music
playin’ upstairs?
Aw, my heart is
Full of cares—
But that music playin’ upstairs
Is for me.
Babe, did you ever
See the sun
Rise at dawnin’ full of fun?
Then you know a new day’s
Done begun
Black Maria passin’ by
Leaves the sunrise in the sky—
And a new day,
Yes, a new day’s
Done begun!
Langston Hughes’ poems also drew closely to a
technique known as imagery. By using a
series of words in his poems he could actually paint a scene for you. By using
this form, he was able to transform a few lines or stanzas into a living,
breathing picture. Regardless of the style of the Langston Hughes poem, be it
jazz or blues, imagery seems to always be used to push the story of the piece.
"...Langston Hughes was sent to live with his
grandmother, who pulled directly from the oral tradition of passing history from
one generation to the next."
Langston’s influence on the word of poetry is near innumerable. Although this wasn’t his only field of artistic expertise, this seemed to be one of his own favorite modes of expression. He was also a novelist, playwright, short story writer and columnist. His name is most assuredly on the minds of most people who place a pen to pad or in today’s age, typing up a piece in a word processing program. His poetry and works have stood the test of type and are not exactly considered “period pieces.” That is the mark of true genius and talent.
For more information on Langston Hughes check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langston_Hughes