The Hero Speaks of Rivers Essay

Submitted By Red_Simone
Words: 932
Pages: 4
Open Document
The Hero Speaks of Rivers: The Langston Hughes Effect Having just graduated from high school and on a train to Mexico to visit his father, Langston Hughes was inspired by the scenes unfolding before him… as well as the ones trailing behind him. Coming of age in America is what this culture is all about: youth, promise, possibility. Seeing as Hughes was an African American growing up in the time of severe racial discrimination, “coming of age” took on a whole new facet. Coming of age meant a coming to grips with the reality of what it means to be a Negro in America. Langston Hughes paints the picture of his roots; he brings to life the lineage of the Black man and charts the course of his plight. With a heavy emphasis on the power of water and its flow, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” sheds light on the indefatigable spirit that makes up African American history. He’s known rivers. He knows them because the river is what water his family tree and ensures its survival. He’s known rivers “ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.” Many consider Africa to be the birthplace of the human race. Technically the first humans to walk this earth took that step in Africa. The first humans were African. Their spirit inhabited the area before they had even manifested; humans are made up of the rivers from which they were born. Seeing as the Euphrates is one of the most recognized, the longest and historically paramount, Hughes really gets his point across. The depth that the rivers represent speaks to the spirit of African Americans. Enduring and inherent, rivers are a vital life source. They point the way, they provide sanctuary and sustenance; rivers allow life, rivers represent possibility and promise. Rivers move, cleanse, create, and provide. Rivers have the propensity to change that which it comes in contact with. River rocks are constantly shaped and formed so that they may best cohabitate with the river. Given the tumultuous history that African Americans have endured, Hughes points out the conformation that has taken place because of currents of life. Likewise, Hughes was flowing with the currents of his life at the time as well. On a train to Mexico to see his father, Hughes penned this poem with a ferocious declaration. He affirms the African American people’s rightful place on this earth. He was also speaking to his venturing spirit as he trekked south to reunite with his father. Reconnecting with his roots brought him closer to the pursuits of his ancestors and confirmed his right to be here, as a Black man and as his father’s son. Hughes finds proof of the African American experience through the rivers that are the backdrop to their lives; Hughes also finds proof of his existence because of his father. If he can prove his father is real then he is closer to proving his own self is real. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” gathers its power from the fact that it speaks to a people and not a specific person. The roots of one Black man are the same as another Black man, and this isn’t a slight in the least. It is the experience of being Black… the single, solitary experience of being Black that allows this poem to take hold. A people judged and condemned because of the color of their skin. This poem speaks to their gypsy, unsettled spirit. It reminds them that they are a pertinent piece of the puzzle that makes up this world. In this one work of poetry Hughes touches upon the experiences of his people as a whole, all while speaking to each individually. Considering
Show More

Related Documents: The Hero Speaks of Rivers Essay

Heroes Among Us: 'The Man In The Water'

wondered what qualities make a hero? Heroes or heroines are defined as anyone who is idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. A single heroic act can establish an individual as a hero. Heroes or heroines do not do these acts of bravery for themselves, but heroes do it for the sake of others. People are not born heroes but they can obtain the title of a hero by doing just a single act of bravery. Anyone can possess the title of a hero whether they do one act or multiple…

Words 553 - Pages 3

Archetypal Approach To The Garden Of Eden

an Archetypal way, you can pin point the deep individual thoughts of the girl you yet know, through the setting of the river bank, which relates to the famous Catholic story of The Garden of Eden. "On a patch of grass that slopes gently to the water, the only clear part of the bank on that side of the river, a girl sits, a girl with long blond hair." (228) The word “Eden” speaks of an area of delight and the Garden is not literal but is spiritual and is found in everyone. It's a place which separates…

Words 363 - Pages 2

Examples Of Heroism In Law Enforcement

contribute to the safety of a community, town, or city. These outstanding men and women protect and serve without wavering. Policemen are an example of a hero because of their bravery, selflessness, and courage. Law enforcement officers demonstrate courage by moving towards a dangerous situation when others run away. Many speak of being a hero in certain scenarios, yet fall short of these unrealistic expectations. In addition, police officers put these heroic fantasies to action. For example, officers…

Words 583 - Pages 3

Algonquin Tribe Research Paper

one of many found in Canada. This particular tribe is found within the Eastern Woodlands Cultural area which is in the Ontario-Quebec region. They were mainly located in the Ottawa valley. Most of the bands are french and english spoken but, some speak their own Algonquin Language. This distinct language was a more musical language with musical sounds, either instead of or addition to articulation. It also included complicated verbs with many parts. They believed in many Gods both animate and inanimate…

Words 507 - Pages 3

What Makes a Monster Essay

volatile creature arises from the city river after a lab scientist illegally disposes of toxic waste down a drain. Similar to Frankenstein, movies like The Host and Beowulf, are both stories of nature and nurture and how both can separately play a role in creating monsters. For example, Grendel (the monster from Beowulf) was brought up living a simple and humble life until local townsmen inexplicably killed his father. Where on the other hand, the river creature from The Host becomes a product…

Words 1167 - Pages 5

Homer's Odyssey: Is Heracles A Hero?

Is Heracles a Hero? Heracles is a hero icon and regarded by many as a hero. However, by ancient standard and my definition is Heracles really a hero? Heracles is the son of Zeus, (a god) and Alcmene, (a mortal). Because Alcmene was not Zeus’s wife his affair enraged his wife Hera. As Hera was very angry, she often tried to kill or harm Heracles. When Heracles was a baby, Hera sent snakes into his crib to kill him. Heracles however, was a very strong baby and strangled the snakes before they could…

Words 1033 - Pages 5

Nimrod Wildfire Summary

the central objects of Lewis’ mission in the trans-Mississippi West is basically to explore the Missouri river and its streams. By its course and communications with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, it could possibly be the most efficient water communication across the continent to be used in commerce. He was to take observations of longitude and latitude, at the monumental points of the river, at the mouth, at rapids, at islands, and other places distinguished by natural land marks. His observations…

Words 897 - Pages 4

Beowulf is an epic hearo Essay

that wrote the Beowulf story were christen Monks that liked the story, they used it as a way to enforce their ideas on the Anglo Saxons. This shows that Beowulf was written during a time of conversion form pagan to christen. Beowulf is an epic hero witch reflects the values of an Anglo Saxon warrior. In the beginning of the poem Beowulf leads fourteen of his best men on his quest to slay the terrible monster Grendel. And in his last battle he leads many men against the dragon.…

Words 749 - Pages 3

Elisha Character Analysis

In these verses, there is drama taking place and there are two groups of characters. Main and minor characters. The main character is not recognized. She is nameless girl who was kidnapped when the Syrians raided Israel. She becomes a servant of yet another nameless woman- the wife of Naaman, who was powerful Captain of a Syrian Army. Naaman was described as a mighty man of valour, he was second in command in Syria. He was an adult, male, powerful, rich, privileged, free….. The girl, in contrast…

Words 1557 - Pages 7

The Archetypes In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness

There are a few, core archetypes which can be found in all traditional legends and folktales: a strong, noble hero, a difficult obstacle to overcome and a damsel-in-distress to save. While Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” is no exception to these rules, an even deeper meaning is unveiled when analyzing the piece using Jungian archetypes. Conrad’s novella is a subtle but scathing criticism of British society and imperialism through the eyes of an experienced seadog, Marlow, and the horrors he faced…

Words 1354 - Pages 6