Literary Critique of Langston Hughes Essay -- essays research papers

Langston Hughess writing showcases a variety of themes and moods, and his distinguished career guide his biographer, Arnold Rampersad, to describe him as perhaps the most representative black American writer. Many of his poems illustrate his role as a spokesman for African American society and the working poor. In others, he relates his ideas on the importance of hereditary pattern and the past. Hughes accomplishes this with a straightforward, easily understandable writing style that clearly conveys his thoughts and opinions, although he has frequently been criticized for the slightly negative tone to his works.One of the most dominant themes seen throughout Hughess poetry is that of discrimination. Hughes was a leader and spokesman for all underrepresented and do by societies, and he frequently questioned and criticized the established beliefs of the majority. He was especially outspoken for African Americans and the working poor. Hughess poem Ballad of the Landlord addresses t he issue of prejudice in the sense of both race and social class. The lines My roof has sprung a let out/ Dont you member I told you roughly it/ Way plump week? indicate both the speaking tenants dilemma and the landlords disregard for an individual he obviously views as inferior. Upon confronting his landlord about the issue, the tenant is immediately arrested and tossed in jail. With the lines Man threatens landlord/ Tenant held no...