Langston Hughes Theme For English B Analysis

There are a lot of great poets, and among the greats is Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes’s poem “Theme for English B” talks about an essay he had to compose for his professor in college. The instructor informed the class that their essay should be one page and it should be about something deep. Hughes writes his essay based on his current background, his color, and how he is not different from the instructor, whom is white. Throughout his life Hughes experienced, racial and economic discrimination which became the primary focus of his writings. Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902 in Joplin Missouri. He is an American writer who was an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and made the African American experience the subject of his writings, which ranged from poetry and plays to novels and newspaper columns (encyclopedia). In his poem “Theme for English B”,
It was centered in Harlem and represented the first great African American literary figures. Hughes and the character both share the fact they embody Harlem. In the poem, he wrote “But I guess I’m what I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you: hear you, hear me- we two- you, me, talk on this page” (Hughes 17-19). Langston Hughes lived in Harlem, as well. Although he was one of the best- known writers during the Harlem Renaissance, his work was very controversial. During this time, many people felt that African Americans should be writing about uplifting stories and follow that of white literature. The character in his poem faces the same situation because he is writing an essay for his class, which is predominantly all- white, including his professor. He has a lot to lose from stating his opinion on racism and equality. He could be kicked out of class or receive a bad grade for his opinion, but he wrote how he felt despite the controversy that can stem from