Cross

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Modernism can be characterized by a disagreement with society through writing ([|Lorcher]). Poems of the Modernism period usually focus on problems with race, religion, or society ([|Lorcher]). Another characteristic of Modernism writing is relative truth, instead of absolute ([|Lorcher]). In the poem "Cross", Langston Hughes writes about racial issues in society. He faced these problems in everyday life, and used them in his writing.

The title of the poem, "Cross", is used to describe his race. He views his mixed ethnicity as a cross between white and black. As the poem continues, Hughes describes the differential treatment between his white father and black mother. He understands he cannot speak badly to a white man, while the consequences to a black woman are not as bad. Hughes also writes about the economic difference between race, and somewhat gender. His white father lives in a large house, while his mother lives in a shack. This poem shows the major differences of race and social class, characteristics of Modernism poetry ([|Lorcher]). Since he does not fully fit into either social class, Hughes does not know how his ethnicity will affect him.

Langston Hughes life strongly effected his writing. He was influenced by music, such as jazz and blues, and also other poets ([|Chea]). Hughes used aspects of music to use flow and dialect in his poems. Carl Sandburg and W. E. B. DuBois were also major influences on his poetry. From Sandburg, Hughes learned how to write free verse poems, and would later called him his "guiding star." DuBois effected Hughes by teaching him the importance of his history and black pride ([|Chea]).

This poem is typical of Hughes writing theme. Poems about social and racial injustices were common topics in many of Hughes's writing. He also wrote about life experiences, traveling, and the Caribbean islands. "I, Too" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" are two classic poems written by Hughes, based on these social and racial problems ([|Poetry Archive]). Hughes also secretly included his homosexuality in his poems. During this time period, same sex relationships were also different from common society ([|Poetry Archive]).

"Cross" is different from other poems in terms of style. Hughes wrote poems using free verse, and by using jazz and blues ([|Poetry Archive]). He would use this music to help give his poems tone. This poem was pretty basic, and mixed rhyme with free verse.

In conclusion, "Cross" is a good example of Modernism. Hughes used this poem to describe feelings he felt towards social and racial problems of the time. Themes of this poem correlate very well with Modernism characteristics. Langston Hughes did a great job of expressing social issues through his writing.

Lorcher, Trent. "Modernism in Literature: What Is Modernism?" //Find Health, Education, Science & Technology Articles, Reviews, How-To and Tech Tips At Bright Hub - Apply To Be A Writer Today!// 26 Dec. 2009. Web. 22 Apr. 2010. .

"Langston Hughes." //Poetry Archive//. 2010. Web. 03 May 2010. .

Chea, Stephenson. "The Effect of Music on Langston Hughes's Writing Style." //Associated Content - Associatedcontent.com//. 31 Mar. 2010. Web. 30 Apr. 2010. 