The+Negro+Speaks+of+Rivers

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Modernism writing is hard to define due the large quantity of characteristics involved. From racial and social issues to cyclical time, Modernism literature can be recognized in many forms. Langston Hughes, a prominent Modernism poet, displayed some of these qualities, along with life experiences in his writing. Putting together all of these qualities in his writing, Hughes became a great poet.

While riding on a train to Mexico, Hughes wrote one of his most famous works, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" ([|Crossing Boundaries] )//.// This poem includes multiple characteristics of Modernism, such as, racial issuses, the use of cyclical time, and free verse poetry. Living a life of racial prejiduce, Hughes still believes that all races are equal and have the ability to love each other ([|Grimes, Linda Sue] ). Hughes uses different rivers to represent all the type of people who have lived on this Earth ([|Grimes, Linda Sue] ). Hughes also uses cyclical time, another characteristic of Modernism. The character speaks of visiting rivers such as the Euphrates, Nile, and Mississippi, all at different times of history. This poem also uses free verse, another trait of Modernism literature.

Hughes wrote this poem at the age of seventeen on the way to visit his father in Mexico. He had little knowledge of where his writing ability would one day lead him, but knew he loved it. Although his age seemed young, he was very mature, already having met and influenced by great poets Walt Whitman and Carl Sandburg ([|Crossing Boundaries] )//.// Hughes called Sandburg a "guiding star," and learned how to write free verse from him ([|Chea]). While riding the train, Hughes may have been influenced by his outside surroundings, and thoughts of what may happen if his father gave him money for the college he wanted to attend.

This poem is similar to other works by Langston Hughes, as it is based on racial issues and written in free verse. These are two very common themes in Hughes poetry, which were also the theme of his poem "Cross". Hughes writes this poem in free verse, a writing style made common during the Modernism period. These characteristics are very different from Eudora Welty, the author of my short story. Being a white woman, her life was much different from Hughes. She also used a lot of dialogue, something Hughes did not.

//The// "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is a great example of Modernism poetry. The poem includes many qualities of the literary period. Langston Hughes uses representation very well to get his point across, making this poem a true classic. Writing this poem at the age of seventeen was an accomplishment in itself.

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

Grimes, Linda Sue. "Poetry Analysis: Symbols and Meanings of Langston Hughes' The Negro Speaks of Rivers." //Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network//. 6 Jan. 2003. Web. 04 May 2010. .

"Langston Hughes Biography: African-American History: Crossing Boundaries: Kansas Humanities Council." //Kansas Heritage Group | Established 1993 | Kansas (KS) History, Old West KS, Cities, Museums, Art, Racing, Cowboy Cooking, Laughead Web | Www.kansasheritage.org//. 2010. Web. 03 May 2010. [].