5Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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LANGSTON HUGES AND HIS POETRY
Manzura Maxmudjan kizi Xasanova
Chirchik State Pedagogical University English Language and Literature Supervisor: Muxlisa Kenjayeva
ABSTRACT
Langston Hughes, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, is renowned for his powerful poetry that delves into themes of racial identity, social injustice, and the African American experience. His works are characterized by their lyrical quality and vivid imagery, often drawing on the rhythms of jazz and blues. Through his writing, Hughes sought to give voice to the voiceless and challenge conventional societal norms. This abstract will delve into Hughes' life, his poetic style, and the enduring impact of his poetry on literature and society.
Keywords: poetry, "Montage of a Dream Deferred",Jazz,American literature,employes.
Introduction
Langston Hughes, an influential figure in American literature and a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, is celebrated for his profound poetry that captures the essence of the African American experience. Through his poignant verses, Hughes delved into themes of identity, culture, social justice, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on readers worldwide. This introduction aims to explore Hughes' life, legacy, and the enduring relevance of his poetry in shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities.
Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement, is known for his impactful poetry that explores themes of racial identity, love, injustice, and the African American experience. His works often incorporate elements of jazz and blues, reflecting the cultural milieu of the 1920s and 1930s.
The main part
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, on February 1, 1901. Research in 2018 revealed that his birth year was actually 1901, not 1902 as previously believed. His parents, James Nathaniel Hughes and Carrie Langston Hughes, separated when he was young, with his father relocating to Mexico. Growing up, he was primarily raised by his grandmother, Mary Sampson Patterson Leary Langston, until the age of thirteen. Following this, he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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live with his mother and stepfather, before the family eventually settled in Cleveland. It was during his time in Lincoln that Hughes first discovered his passion for writing poetry.
After completing high school, Langston Hughes spent a year in Mexico and then attended Columbia University for a year. During this period, he held various jobs such as assistant cook, launderer, and busboy. Additionally, he traveled to Africa and Europe, working as a seaman. In November 1924, he relocated to Washington, D.C. Hughes' initial poetry collection, "The Weary Blues," was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1926, featuring an introduction by Carl Van Vechten, a prominent supporter of the Harlem Renaissance. Reception to the book was mixed, with some celebrating Hughes as a fresh poetic voice, while others were less enthusiastic. He later finished his studies at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and in 1930, his novel "Not Without Laughter" received the Harmon gold medal for literature. Hughes, drawing inspiration from Paul Laurence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, and Walt Whitman, is widely recognized for his insightful depictions of African American life in the United States spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s. His literary repertoire encompasses novels, short stories, plays, and poetry, with a notable emphasis on jazz and its influence on his writing evident in works like "Montage of a Dream Deferred" (Holt, 1951). A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 1920s through his artistic endeavors. In contrast to his contemporaries like Claude McKay, Jean Toomer, and Countee Cullen, Hughes intentionally blurred the lines between his personal narrative and the collective experience of Black Americans. His mission was to authentically portray his community's stories, rooted in their genuine culture, encompassing their joys, struggles, and linguistic expressions.
Langston Hughes maintained a close connection to jazz throughout his life. He immersed himself in jazz music, frequented nightclubs to listen to performances, collaborated with influential musicians ranging from Monk to Mingus, often combined his readings with jazz accompaniments, and even authored a children's book titled "The First Book of Jazz." For Hughes, jazz was more than just a musical genre; it was a lifestyle. His relationship with jazz went beyond mere fandom, as he viewed jazz and blues as distinct African-American art forms that celebrated black heritage and creativity. Hughes, a vocal advocate for racial awareness, believed that jazz and the blues rejected the notion of assimilation and instead embraced the uniqueness of black culture. Rather than shying away from hardships, these art forms transformed the everyday struggles of African Americans into expressions of artistry. In his 1926 work "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain," Hughes articulated his
April 23-24, 2024
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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perspective on the importance of embracing one's cultural roots and artistic identity. Langston Hughes's profound love for music, particularly jazz, inspired him to pioneer the fusion genre of jazz poetry. Much like his views on jazz music, Hughes believed that jazz poetry had the potential to be a distinctly African-American literary form, standing out amidst the predominantly white poetic tradition. When depicting jazz in his poetry, Hughes artfully integrated syncopated rhythms, slang expressions, and unconventional phrasing to mirror the improvisational spirit of jazz music. In certain poems, his verses resonate like the lyrics of a blues composition, capturing the essence of the musical genre. Through these poetic techniques, Hughes succeeded in encapsulating the essence of jazz within his written work. An excerpt from his 1925 poem "The Weary Blues," where he vividly describes a jazz performance on Lenox Avenue, exemplifies Hughes's masterful fusion of music and poetry. This seamless integration ofjazz elements into his verse showcases Hughes's innovative approach to jazz poetry, emphasizing its role as a medium for expressing the African-American experience and cultural identity.
Langston Hughes's Poetry in "The Dream Keeper and Other Poems" As early as 1932, Langston Hughes showcased his profound connection to his people through his collection "The Dream Keeper and Other Poems." In these poems, Hughes addressed the hopes, dreams, aspirations, life, and love of the African American community. His message was universal, resonating with the expectations and experiences of Black people during that time. Unlike his later works, such as "Montage of a Dream Deferred," the poems in "The Dream Keeper" exuded optimism and hope rather than bitterness and disillusionment. Hughes's verses painted a picture of a brighter future for African Americans, capturing a sense of resilience and determination. An example of this optimistic outlook can be seen in his poem "I, Too," which embodies a spirit of empowerment and aspiration within the African American community.
Through "The Dream Keeper and Other Poems," Langston Hughes celebrated the strength and vitality of his people, offering a vision of hope and possibility that continues to inspire readers.
In Langston Hughes's poem "Deferred," which precedes "Good Morning" in the collection, the theme of deferred dreams serves as a cautionary tale leading to an inevitable conclusion. Through the use of italics, Hughes delves into the dreams of various individuals, capturing the changes in their voices and the musicality of their expressions. The poem takes on a dialogue-like structure, with questions and comparisons enhancing the oral quality of the verses. The italicized text signifies what the characters wish to possess, while the regular text
April 23-24, 2024
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
Chirchiq davlat pedagogika universiteti Zamonaviy filologiya va lingvodidaktikaning dolzarb masalalari
conveys their aspirations and identity. The dreams depicted in the poem revolve around cultural access, employment, and material acquisition, embodying a desire for a piece of the American Dream. These dreams are stripped down to material desires and consumption, reflecting common aspirations such as owning a white enamel stove, buying furniture, or acquiring a television set. "Deferred" emphasizes how dreams can revolve around commonplace desires and the persona's eagerness to realize their portion of the dream. By giving voice to ordinary individuals with modest dreams, Hughes underscores his interest in representing the experiences of everyday Black people. This poem sheds light on the aspirations and impatience of individuals striving for a slice of the dream, offering insight into the complexities of hope, desire, and identity within the African American community. Conclusion
In conclusion, Langston Hughes and his poetry beautifully encapsulates the enduring legacy and profound impact of his work. Langston Hughes's ability to articulate the experiences and aspirations of the African American community through his poetry remains a cornerstone of his literary contribution. His fusion of jazz and blues elements not only showcases his innovative approach but also highlights the rich cultural tapestry he sought to portray. Overall, Langston Hughes's body of work continues to inspire reflection, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of the diverse human experience. His commitment to truth, justice, and the celebration of the human spirit solidifies his position as a timeless and influential literary figure in American history.
REFERENCES
1. https: //j ournals. openedition.org/angles/920.
2. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/langston-hughes.
3. https://www.arts.gov/stories/blog/2014/jazz-poetry-langston-hughes.
4.www.arts.gov,,Jazz Poetry &Langston Hughes.
5. https: //www.researchgate.net/publication/339441511_Langston_Hughes_A_Poet_o f_People_with_Reference_to_His_Poetry.
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