The negro speaks of rivers analysis. The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes: Summary and Analysis 2022-10-26

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"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is a powerful and poignant poem written by Langston Hughes, one of the foremost figures of the Harlem Renaissance. In this essay, I will provide an analysis of the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that "I've known rivers" and listing a series of rivers that have played a significant role in the history of black people. These rivers include the Nile, the Euphrates, the Congo, and the Mississippi, all of which have been linked to the ancient civilizations of Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The speaker goes on to describe how these rivers have been both a source of life and a source of struggle for black people. The Nile, for example, is described as a "gift" that has sustained the ancient Egyptians, while the Mississippi is depicted as a "turbulent stream" that has witnessed the "tears" of black slaves.

One of the main themes of the poem is the deep and enduring connection between black people and the natural world. The speaker speaks of these rivers as if they were living beings, with their own histories and stories to tell. The poem also conveys a sense of pride and resilience in the face of adversity, as the speaker asserts that these rivers have "seen" and "borne" the struggles of black people throughout history.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse and consists of four stanzas of varying length. The irregular structure of the poem reflects the speaker's emotional state and the fluid nature of the rivers described within it.

Throughout the poem, Hughes employs a number of literary devices to enhance the meaning and impact of the poem. One such device is repetition, as seen in the repeated phrase "I've known rivers." This repetition serves to emphasize the speaker's deep connection to the rivers and their significance in the history of black people.

Another literary device used in the poem is personification, as seen in the descriptions of the rivers as living beings that have "seen" and "borne" the struggles of black people. This personification gives the rivers a sense of agency and power, and further emphasizes the deep connection between black people and the natural world.

In conclusion, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is a moving and powerful poem that explores the deep connection between black people and the natural world, as well as the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Hughes's use of repetition, personification, and other literary devices enhances the meaning and impact of the poem, making it a timeless and enduring work of literature.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers Summary

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

Knowing them, his soul has grown deep, just like the rivers. But as time passed, they were made into slaves, subjected to inequality and injustice; so much so that some forgot their heritage. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. He refers to the importance of the Euphrates and Congo to human history. Nature has always been a source of inspiration for poets and writers. In this way, he is essentially explaining the level of importance that his generation has based on the effect past generations had on the world. After the horrors of World War I 1914-19 , many people questioned their society and beliefs.

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Free The Negro Speaks of Rivers Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on GraduateWay

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

By twelve years old Hughes already had experience living in six different American cities. Summary ofThe Negro Speaks of Rivers: The speaker of this poem says that he knew many rivers. A hut indicates not poverty, but a contentment with what is around, which is reiterated by the fact that he was "lulled…to sleep. The songs their waves sing have been a source of joy for humanity since ever. The Negro is the speaker in the poem.

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Negro Speaks Of Rivers Analysis Essay Example (300 Words)

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

In a way, the Negro also expresses his gratitude to the rivers for having cared for his ancestors and the humanity. As he sees the river, his soul grows just as deep as them and the deep reverence he has for his ancestors comes out as a song. These rivers are ancient in the sense that they are the oldest things on earth. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. All rivers are a metaphor of some event in the history of mankind. The "ancient, dusky river" is a subtle reference to the end of a day, or a metaphorical death. The poem entitled Theme for English B was written thirty years or so after the birth of the Harlem Renaissance, but still embodies why the Renaissance had originated in the first place….

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The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes: Summary and Analysis

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

Most of the cultures have considered these rivers sacred and the Negro also prays for his ancestors who lived before him on the banks of these sacred rivers. The speaker says he was there when slavery raised its head. You can use it as an example when writing your own essay or use it as a source, but you need. The themes addressed in this poem have come to be associated with Harlem Renaissance. Proud to have endured some of the most powerful challenges mankind has ever witnessed, he Negro spirit has grown through time with its people. As Poetry Foundation states, "Langston Hughes was first recognized as an important literary figure during the 1920s, a period known as the 'Harlem Renaissance ' because of the number of emerging black writers.

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The Negro Speaks of Rivers Analysis

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

He is also known for his insightful portrayals of black life in America. The speaker talks about how the Nile, the Congo, and the Mississippi have been witnesses to the history of the black race. All the way, he recounts the most important events in the human history having happened on the banks of these rivers. A literary device that has a lot of influence is his use of metaphors. Hughes however did have both black and white critics, but it was the love he received from African Americans that helped him be successful.

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Critical Analysis of The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes — childhealthpolicy.vumc.org

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

The speaker ends the poem by repeating how he knows rivers and how his soul grew deeper knowing them. He means to say he was there when mankind first organized itself. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. Racism is the theme of this poem, about how a 22 year old college student sees the racism happening… James Mercer Langston Hughes, an African American, became a well known poet, novelist, journalist, and playwright. It was the first time Abraham Lincoln saw the horror and cruelty the slaves were subjected to.

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Summary and Analysis of The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes: 2022

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

Interestingly, the author places Abraham Lincoln, and assumebly the emancipation of American slaves, on par with the building of the pyramids, emphasizing the importance of emancipation to the author. Summary : The author claims to have known ancient rivers that are older than humanity. Each of his poems is able to convey the extremely complex emotional landscape of minorities in his era. The speaker ends the poem by repeating he knew rivers, ancient, dusky rivers. Langston Hughes was born as James Mercer Langston Hughes, on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. In the beginning mankind was one.

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The Negro Speaks Of Rivers Analysis

the negro speaks of rivers analysis

As an overarching strategy, the speaker compares his soul to the deep and ancient rivers of the Euphrates, Nile, and Mississippi. He talks about how the rivers have given him strength and how they will always be a part of him. This metaphorical use of the river as a creation or life-giving metaphor becomes obvious when he states that his soul has become as deep as the river. He reiterates the belief that this was the location where Man first lived through the statement that the "dawns were young"; this is a reference not to early morning, but to the fact that dawn s had not taken place before, and were taking place for the first times. He went on to become a poet, social activist, novelist and playwright. That is thousands of years. It begins at the dawn of earth and the flow of the Euphrates River in Western Asia.

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the negro speaks of rivers analysis

He not just traces his lineage but humbly recalls those ancient times when most of the humanity dwelt on the banks of these rivers and when the rivers fed them. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. He makes a reference to a creation story by emphasizing that the rivers are as old as the world, but actually older than humanity. This is indicated beautifully by saying how the water of Mississippi turned from muddy to golden, indicating the abolishment of slavery. Langston Hughes was an American author, poet and playwright and is known as one of the main literary contributors to the Harlem Renaissance. He started writing short stories and poems while in high school.

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the negro speaks of rivers analysis

Also Read: Cultural Exchange Analysis by Langston Hughes Central Idea ofThe Negro Speaks of Rivers: The poet is an African-American. They are just as immortal as the humanity is mortal. Lincoln later goes onto abolish slavery by leading the United States through its Civil War. The sound of the river flowing by put him to sleep at nights. Often, his works were of one extreme or the other — his poems spoken… Analysis Of Harlem By Langston Hughes Although Langston Hughes wrote both poems there are many differences. Amongst other emerging black writers, Hughes led the parade of the Harlem Renaissance where a faucet of culture trickled in self expression through music, art, and literature.

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