Dinner Guest Me Analysis

Langston Hughes dealt with a lot of criticism from white and black critics after writing Dinner Guest: Me. Hughes was an inspirational writer, he was first introduced to writing in grammar school and was ridiculed for it because of stereotypes of African American’s at the time. However through hard work and dedication, Hughes became the first African American man to make a living from writing poetry. At the time this was written, racism was one of those things at the time that no matter how hard a person tried try to get away from it, it always lingered in towns, cities, and businesses. Although there was definitely progress between Blacks and Whites being together in society, it was still a long ways away from a suitable resolution for both
The speaker goes on to say, “…Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions…” implying that the white people were trying to impress the speaker with an expensive dinner and appear more likable even though they are white and curious about his life. Followed by the lines, “…That come to white mind Which seeks demurely To Probe in polite way…” Because the word “demurely” means reserved, shy, and modest, it could be very possible that the white folk at the dinner are uncomfortable asking questions in such a sensitive day and age to an African American man. Also, I think it’s odd that the white folk are shy and reserved but are also probing the African American man. When I think of someone “probing” for information, I think of integrators asking questions to suspects. So, the fact that they are shy and timid but are also trying to probe him for information in a polite way, because of the racial tension, confuses
Furthermore, it is made clear that the speaker is the center of attention because he is most likely the only African American man in this restaurant and is surround at the table by white people, who we can presume are wealthy and uphold some power in the community. This situation during this time of such great racial tension was a pretty rare sight to see. Lastly the speaker says, “To be a Problem on Park Avenue at eight Is not so bad. Solutions to the Problem, Of course, wait.” This last part of the second stanza means that being an African American man on Park Avenue, one of the wealthiest parts of Manhattan, at eight is something he can deal with and take care of. However, finding a solution to the problem at hand during this era in society is something that cannot be handled so