Summary of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance: Crash Course Literature 215

Summary of Main Ideas

• Harlem Renaissance Overview:

  The Harlem Renaissance was an early 20th-century cultural movement where writers and artists of color explored their identities as artists, Black individuals, and Americans. It took place after World War I and lasted until the early years of the Great Depression, influencing various art forms including literature, music, and dance.

• Langston Hughes:

  Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetry that reflects the African American experience. He often used the term "negro" in his work, which is now considered outdated and offensive, demonstrating the evolution of language.

• Double Consciousness:

  The concept of "double consciousness," introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois, describes the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups, particularly African Americans.

• Artistic Techniques:

  Hughes combined formal poetry with African American folk traditions, rejecting the notion that only European poetic forms could convey the African American experience. He aimed for accessibility in his work, influenced by poets who used everyday language.

• Critique of Other Writers:

  In his manifesto "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain," Hughes criticized Black writers who sought to conform to white artistic standards, advocating for a celebration of Black identity and culture.

• Analysis of Poems:
  • "The Negro Speaks of Rivers": This poem connects Hughes to African heritage through the metaphor of rivers, emphasizing continuity and depth of experience.
  • "Harlem": Explores the consequences of deferred dreams, using vivid imagery and contrasting tones to illustrate the struggles of African Americans.

Methodology and Key Concepts

• Combining Forms: Blend formal poetry with folk traditions to create a unique voice.
• Use of Vernacular: Write in accessible, everyday language to reach a wider audience.
• Imagery and Symbolism: Employ powerful imagery and symbolism to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
• Cultural Reflection: Reflect on the African American experience and identity through art.

Notable Poems Discussed

• "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"
• "Harlem"

Speakers/Sources Featured

• John Green (Host)
• Langston Hughes (Poet)
• W.E.B. Du Bois (Scholar)
• Countee Cullen (Poet)
• Claude McKay (Poet)
• James Baldwin (Writer)

Notable Quotes

— 04:55 — « This is the mountain standing in the way of any true Negro art in America-- this urge within the race toward whiteness, the desire to pour racial individuality into the mold of American standardization, and to be as little Negro and as much American as possible. »

— 09:32 — « He's warning that if circumstances don't change, there might be dangerous consequences. »

— 10:54 — « See, sometimes literature is just in the business of proving good advice. »

Category

Educational

Video