m24

||> ==Bio== February 1st, 1902, Langston Hughes was born to Carrie and James Hughes in Joplin, Missouri. His father moved to Mexico shortly after Langston was born. Langston lived in a few places in his early childhood including Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Mexico. The majority of his time was spent in Kansas though.To Carrie, Langston was a burden of responsibility. Langston's grandmother, Mary Hughes, and Great Uncle, John Mercer Langston were key influences to Langston's adolescent years. When he became lonely and found no one to talk with he was driven "to books, and the wonderful world in books." Langston was also very well traveled in his early years. By the age of 20, he worked on jobs like freight trains up and down the west coast of Africa and other various jobs in Paris. Already, at the age of 20, Langston was well established in African American literary communities. His main influences included Whalt Whitman, Carl Sandburg, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, and Claude McKay. His biggest influence however, was Carl Sandburg, who at one point he called 'his guiding star.'
 * == Langston Hughes ==

Hughes wrote many great poems in his lifetime. Some of his poems include //Daybreak in Alabama//, //Let America be America Again, Justice, Love Song for Lucinda, The Blues, The Negro Mother,// and many other great and influential poem. Hughes also wrote other great writings including //Shakespeare in Harlem, Jim Crowes Last Stand, Simple Speaks his Mind, Field of Wonder, and One Way Ticket// where all of Hughes' most famous writings. Hughes was also big on writing Hughes also wrote musicals including //Simpley Heavenly, Tambourines to Glory, Black Natvity, and Jericho- Jim Crow.//

Langston Hughes was one of the most influential people of the Harlem Renaissance, and for all African Americans in their quest for equal rights in the 20th century. ||

Poetry Links
[|Dinner Guest: Me] [|Juke Box Love Song] [|Ennui] [|Children's Rhymes] **
 * [|Daybreak in Alabama]


 * Explication of "Cross" by Langston Hughes **

"Cross" by Langston Hughes demonstrates the African American man's struggle for equal rights in the 20th century. The poem depicts the white man and black man's differences during this time, while also trying to depict their similarities. The poem states the hatred and prejudice shown to black people, but finishes stating that color of the skin does not matter in rights. There is no narrator or speaker in "Cross" but it is inferred that a narrator or speaker could be replaced by anybody because it demonstrates the message of equality. In "Cross" the narrator or speaker feels compelled to speak out for equality among races.

The theme of "Cross" by Langston Hughes is equality. "Cross" is a great example of the struggles, hate, and prejudice that African American people faced, and conveys the message that the color of skin does not matter and that all should be treated equal.

The "Cross" acheives the purpose, to speak out for equality among all races, very well. The "Cross" is a great example of the struggle for rights the African Americans had while demonstrating that all are equal.

The "Cross" is a great poem that has meaning and thought to the topic of equality among all races.

"Langston Hughes." __BP3 Blogger__. 17 Nov. 2008 .
== "Hughes's Life and Career--by Arnold Rampersad." __Welcome to English « Department of English, College of LAS, University of Illinois__. 17 Nov. 2008 . ==