langston hughes
J. Hawk
ENG 1123
October 23, 2013
Oppression – Against All Odds In Langston Hughes poem Ballad of the landlord is an amazing poem dealing with real life situation’s that unfortunately are still taking place today. The oppressor in the poem is represented by the landlord and the media and police. The poem tells about a man of color’s life, his day to day experience in a world dominated by whites.
It is difficult to believe that this same type of bigotry and oppression still exists in the world today. Mr. Hughes uses imagery in this writing. He gives clear and vivid images of the times. “My roof has sprung a leak.”-2. Another example is when the writer is taken to jail: “Precinct Station. Iron cell ...” -27. He is giving the reader of the thoughts of the main character is living. Another example of the times is when the landlord and the tenant are discussing the payment of the ten bucks owed. The tenant has a legitimate argument as to why he has not paid the rent. The landlord needs to make repairs to the property. The home is in desperate need of repair. “What? You gonna get eviction orders?”- 1…2. A clear sign of oppression of the times when the man is arrested for speaking his mind. “ Come and get this man! He’s trying to ruin the government And overturn the land!” -21 All this drama for speaking his mind on the repairs needed for his home. The media and the police add to the devastation of the man of color during this time by their actions and words. “Man threatens landlord. Tenant held. Held No bail. Judge gives Negro 90 days in county jail. All this for being a man of color…wow..amazing.
ENG 1123
October 23, 2013
Oppression – Against All Odds In Langston Hughes poem Ballad of the landlord is an amazing poem dealing with real life situation’s that unfortunately are still taking place today. The oppressor in the poem is represented by the landlord and the media and police. The poem tells about a man of color’s life, his day to day experience in a world dominated by whites.
It is difficult to believe that this same type of bigotry and oppression still exists in the world today. Mr. Hughes uses imagery in this writing. He gives clear and vivid images of the times. “My roof has sprung a leak.”-2. Another example is when the writer is taken to jail: “Precinct Station. Iron cell ...” -27. He is giving the reader of the thoughts of the main character is living. Another example of the times is when the landlord and the tenant are discussing the payment of the ten bucks owed. The tenant has a legitimate argument as to why he has not paid the rent. The landlord needs to make repairs to the property. The home is in desperate need of repair. “What? You gonna get eviction orders?”- 1…2. A clear sign of oppression of the times when the man is arrested for speaking his mind. “ Come and get this man! He’s trying to ruin the government And overturn the land!” -21 All this drama for speaking his mind on the repairs needed for his home. The media and the police add to the devastation of the man of color during this time by their actions and words. “Man threatens landlord. Tenant held. Held No bail. Judge gives Negro 90 days in county jail. All this for being a man of color…wow..amazing.