Difficult times in history often give rise to the appearance of people who can bring some changes to the accustomed life mode. One of these figures was Langston Hughes, who revitalized U.S. literature. The civil rights movement was the event that significantly impacted the American society of the 20th century and initiated the more powerful development of Black literature. This movement can be truthfully called a social breakthrough in the U.S. over the last hundred years. It began as a massive protest against race-based discrimination and segregation in the southern part of the U.S. that acquired a nationwide scale in the middle of the 1950s (Carson). Nevertheless, the efforts of black people to become completely free and rightful members of society began far earlier than in the 20th century. Centuries ago, enslaved Africans tried to combat racial oppression and stop slavery (Carson). As one can see, such events may take a long time before the initiation of some major changes. The movement for civil rights brought notable results only in the middle of the past century. The non-violent protests in the 1950s and 60s managed to stop racial segregation in public facilities and made equal-rights legislation possible for the black population (Carson). The changes to major civil rights legislation in 1964-1965 did not stop the black activists, though it was a serious achievement (Carson). They saw another goal of their fight, namely not being a “freedom or liberation movement” and striving for reforms of civil rights but resisting the harsh social, political, economic, and cultural heritage of past oppression (Carson). As a black American, Langston Hughes saw all these events and became a social activist who passionately struggled for civil rights.
However, the first calling of Langston Hughes was literature, as he wrote poems, novels, plays, and columns. He contributed not only to social activism but also to the development of black culture and literature, thus being one of the most vivid figures of the Harlem Renaissance (Langston Hughes). Hughes’ pieces are worth reading because they honestly depict “the joys and hardships” of black Americans without excessive idealization and stereotypes (Langston Hughes). The poet tended to show that black people are the same as any others who deserve to be heard by the wide society. Nevertheless, the creative career of Langston Hughes endured significant difficulties. A range of black intellectuals criticized many of his early pieces and works (Langston Hughes). Hughes’ opponents were convinced that the writer offered readers an unattractive view of the black community (Langston Hughes). Critics from different magazines called his poems trash and low-rate poetry (Langston Hughes). Despite this, Langston Hughes kept his writing endeavors. Truth and sincerity in literary works often evoke ambiguous feelings in readers. The writer took his ideas and plots from real life, which is not always rose-colored. For instance, the criticized Fine Clothes to the Jew was inspired by the black Harlem habitants who had to pawn their clothes to the shops owned by Jews (Langston Hughes). In view of this, one can assume that many people fear the bitterness of reality in those times. Finally, the civil rights movement was the event that greatly influenced the American people. As a part of this movement, Langston Hughes left a remarkable trace in American history and literature. Although the poet endured burdensome hardships in his life and writing career, it could not stop him from creating sincere works. Thus, only such figures as Langston Hughes can affirm an epoch-making truth.
Works Cited
Carson, Clayborne. “American Civil Rights Movement.”Britannica, 2022.
“Langston Hughes.”Poetry Foundation.