Isolation In Langston Hughes Theme For English B

Identity amid Isolation The early 1900s was a time of defining and restoring an identity for African Americans. These people sought to define themselves by who they were and where they stood in American society. However, it was difficult to discover who they truly were when they were bound to mental and social isolation. Despite the societal hindrances, they went on their own crusade to escape societal seclusion. This ideology gave birth to Langston Hughes’ poem ‘’Theme for English B,’’ the morals the McBride family lived by, and ultimately the Harlem Renaissance itself. In ‘’Theme for English B,’’ the speaker feels a definite sense of seclusion and loneliness, which is implied both within and outside the classroom. He mentions ‘’I am the only colored student in my class,’’ which immediately disconnects him from the social ‘’norm.’’ However, there are other indications of societal
Although sharing the same racial background of the people Ruth was ridiculed by, James is mocked by the Jews; a reverse effect from Ruth’s upbringing. With his mother’s persistence, the McBride children traveled long hours in order to receive the best possible education. However, these schools were predominately Jewish and were located in areas of Jewish prominence. As a result, James and his siblings were often the only black students in school, and suffered from the prejudice of the Jewish community. James tried to embrace other activities of his culture to escape the painful realities of school and the negative environment that consumed him. He attempted to resolve the question of why equality was absent in society, but he was typically met with unsatisfying outcomes. He was forced into the troubles of his race and identity every day. His fellow classmates filled him with confused feelings. They did not support his race and their superiority baffled him. He needed equality and coherence to attain his identity and his