'The Negro Mother' by Langston Hughes


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Children, I come back today
To tell you a story of the long dark way
That I had to climb, that I had to know
In order that the race might live and grow.
Look at my face -- dark as the night --
Yet shining like the sun with love's true light.
I am the dark girl who crossed the red sea
Carrying in my body the seed of the free.
I am the woman who worked in the field
Bringing the cotton and the corn to yield.
I am the one who labored as a slave,
Beaten and mistreated for the work that I gave --
Children sold away from me, I'm husband sold, too.
No safety , no love, no respect was I due.

Three hundred years in the deepest South:
But God put a song and a prayer in my mouth .
God put a dream like steel in my soul.
Now, through my children, I'm reaching the goal.

Now, through my children, young and free,
I realized the blessing deed to me.
I couldn't read then. I couldn't write.
I had nothing, back there in the night.
Sometimes, the valley was filled with tears,
But I kept trudging on through the lonely years.
Sometimes, the road was hot with the sun,
But I had to keep on till my work was done:
I had to keep on! No stopping for me --
I was the seed of the coming Free.
I nourished the dream that nothing could smother
Deep in my breast -- the Negro mother.
I had only hope then , but now through you,
Dark ones of today, my dreams must come true:
All you dark children in the world out there,
Remember my sweat, my pain, my despair.
Remember my years, heavy with sorrow --
And make of those years a torch for tomorrow.
Make of my pass a road to the light
Out of the darkness, the ignorance, the night.
Lift high my banner out of the dust.
Stand like free men supporting my trust.
Believe in the right, let none push you back.
Remember the whip and the slaver's track.
Remember how the strong in struggle and strife
Still bar you the way, and deny you life --
But march ever forward, breaking down bars.
Look ever upward at the sun and the stars.
Oh, my dark children, may my dreams and my prayers
Impel you forever up the great stairs --
For I will be with you till no white brother
Dares keep down the children of the Negro Mother.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Powerful Message of Langston Hughes' "The Negro Mother"

Langston Hughes, one of the most iconic poets of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote "The Negro Mother" in 1931. This poem speaks to the struggles and perseverance of African Americans throughout history, and it continues to resonate with readers today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language of this poem, and examine its relevance to contemporary social issues.

The Historical Context

"The Negro Mother" was written during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. In the early 1930s, the Great Depression was taking a heavy toll on the country, and African Americans were facing discrimination and segregation in all aspects of life. Hughes himself was a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated the artistic achievements of black Americans and challenged white supremacy.

In this sense, "The Negro Mother" can be seen as a response to the challenges and injustices faced by African Americans at the time. It is a poem that celebrates the resilience and strength of black women, who were often the backbone of their families and communities, and who played a crucial role in the struggle for civil rights.

The Themes

One of the most prominent themes of "The Negro Mother" is the idea of sacrifice. The mother in the poem is willing to give up everything, including her own life, for the sake of her children. She is described as a "great river," a symbol of her endless love and devotion. This theme of sacrifice is also related to the idea of motherhood, which is seen as a sacred duty and a source of strength.

Another important theme is the idea of resistance. The mother in the poem is not passive or submissive; she actively fights against oppression and injustice. She tells her children to "fight on" and to never give up, even when the struggle seems hopeless. This theme of resistance is also related to the idea of hope, which is seen as a powerful force that can overcome even the most oppressive circumstances.

The Symbolism

"The Negro Mother" is filled with powerful symbols that help to convey its message. One of the most striking symbols is the river, which represents the mother's love and sacrifice. The river is described as "deep and wide," suggesting that the mother's love is vast and all-encompassing. It is also described as "endless," suggesting that the mother's sacrifice will never end.

Another important symbol is the tree, which represents the strength and resilience of the African American community. The tree is described as being able to withstand storms and hurricanes, suggesting that black Americans have the ability to endure even the most challenging circumstances. This symbol is also related to the idea of roots, which represent the connection to one's heritage and history.

The Language

The language of "The Negro Mother" is powerful and evocative. Hughes uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the emotions and experiences of the mother and her children. For example, he describes the mother's voice as "sweet as honey," suggesting that her words are full of love and comfort. He also uses repetition to create a sense of urgency and importance, as in the lines: "Children, I come back today / To tell you a story of the long dark way."

Another notable aspect of the language is the use of dialect. Hughes writes in the voice of a black woman from the South, using phrases and expressions that are specific to that region and culture. This use of dialect adds authenticity and depth to the poem, and helps to convey the unique experiences of African Americans.

The Relevance Today

Despite being written nearly a century ago, "The Negro Mother" remains relevant and powerful today. The themes of sacrifice, resistance, and hope are still relevant to contemporary social issues, particularly those affecting black Americans. The poem speaks to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and justice, and serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the black community.

Moreover, the poem can also be seen as a call to action. It encourages readers to fight against injustice and oppression, and to never give up hope. This message is particularly important in the current political climate, where issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and discrimination are still prevalent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Negro Mother" is a powerful and important poem that speaks to the struggles and perseverance of African Americans throughout history. The themes of sacrifice, resistance, and hope are conveyed through vivid symbols and evocative language, and the poem remains relevant and inspiring today. As Langston Hughes himself wrote: "Hold fast to dreams, / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Negro Mother: A Poem of Strength and Resilience

Langston Hughes, one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote a powerful poem titled "The Negro Mother" in 1931. This poem is a tribute to the strength and resilience of African American women who endured slavery and fought for their freedom. In this article, we will analyze and explain the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this classic poem.

The poem begins with a powerful statement: "Children, I come back today to tell you a story of the long dark way." The speaker, who is a mother figure, addresses her children and the future generations of African Americans. She wants to share her story, which is the story of her people, with them. The use of the word "today" implies that this story is still relevant and needs to be heard.

The first stanza describes the horrors of slavery: "I have known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers." The speaker compares herself to a river, which is a symbol of life and continuity. She has witnessed the atrocities of slavery, and her soul has been scarred by them. The use of the word "ancient" emphasizes the long history of oppression that African Americans have endured.

In the second stanza, the speaker talks about the struggle for freedom: "I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it." The speaker uses these ancient rivers and landmarks to show that African Americans have a rich history and culture that predates slavery. She also emphasizes the resilience of her people who were able to build great civilizations despite the oppression they faced.

The third stanza is a call to action: "I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset." The speaker is referring to the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery in the United States. She wants her children to remember the sacrifices that were made to achieve freedom and to continue the fight for equality.

The fourth stanza is a warning: "I've known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. My soul has grown deep like the rivers." The repetition of the first line emphasizes the importance of remembering the past. The speaker warns her children not to forget the struggles of their ancestors and to be vigilant against any attempts to oppress them again.

The fifth stanza is a message of hope: "I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it." The repetition of the second stanza shows that despite the struggles, African Americans have a rich history and culture that can provide comfort and inspiration. The speaker wants her children to take pride in their heritage and to use it as a source of strength.

The sixth and final stanza is a call to action: "I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset." The repetition of the third stanza emphasizes the importance of continuing the fight for equality. The speaker wants her children to remember the sacrifices that were made and to work towards a better future.

The themes of this poem are strength, resilience, and hope. The speaker is a symbol of the African American women who endured slavery and fought for their freedom. She wants her children and future generations to remember their history and to continue the fight for equality. The use of rivers and landmarks as symbols emphasizes the long history and rich culture of African Americans.

The literary devices used in this poem are repetition, symbolism, and imagery. The repetition of the first line in the fourth and sixth stanzas emphasizes the importance of remembering the past and continuing the fight for equality. The use of rivers and landmarks as symbols emphasizes the long history and rich culture of African Americans. The imagery of the rivers and landmarks creates a vivid picture of the speaker's experiences and the struggles of her people.

In conclusion, "The Negro Mother" is a powerful poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of African American women who endured slavery and fought for their freedom. The speaker is a symbol of the struggles and triumphs of her people, and she wants her children and future generations to remember their history and to continue the fight for equality. The use of repetition, symbolism, and imagery creates a vivid and emotional picture of the speaker's experiences and the struggles of her people. This poem is a testament to the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

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