Modernism And The Harlem Renaissance

Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance were a period of time where the writing style changed from traditional to artists expressing themselves in new ways. From 1910 to 1940, America changed drastically. The Great War, roaring 20s, and the Great Depression were such an example of a few influences for the writers and artists of this time. Langston Hughes is one of the most famous writer and poet known from the Harlem Renaissance. In his writings, African American life was the subject. Hughes’ family history helped influence the determined tone of his writing, especially in his poem, “ I, Too.” Following, since Langston Hughes was an African American, his family had experienced tremendous racial discrimination and injustices. Langston Hughes’
One person that overcome oppression was Hughes’ uncle, John Mercer Langston, he found a way to achieve his goals. John’s mom was of African and Native American descent and his father a white slaveholder. Despite being an African American, he was born free and a bit of wealth. John went on to become the first black lawyer in Ohio, in 1954, and the first black man to serve on congress from Virginia. John was born disadvantaged because he was a black man. He faced many obastcales because of his skin color but he did not let those injustices defer his dreams. In a world where African Americans were seen as inferior or not intellectuals, John proved those who believed this wrong. He showed that African Americans showed not be ashamed but that they showed be proud. In addition, he also showed that if a person has determination that they can achieve what seems like to be the impossible. Determination and perseverance was the key to John’s success. Determination and perseverance can also be seen in,
Instead he grew strong. When he was treated badly he did not retaliate with violence but instead he had pride in himself. He was determined to be treated as an equal. Hughes wrote, “ ... Tomorrow,/ I’ll be at the table/ When company comes,” (Hughes 8-10). Not only was the man determined but he was also hopeful. He believed that one day he would be sitting at the table. Even when those around him were ashamed him, he was not ashamed of himself. He was determined to sit at that the table and he would not have self-pity or become angry. He let his character and determination fight the struggle for him. Hughes’s character was just as determined as his uncle. They both remained strong even when there was opposition against them. Hughes family history influenced his writing and aspects from his history can be seen in his