Philosophical
Hughes uses this lens to show what themes?
identity, justice, and freedom and especially through race.
Langston Hughes traveled to this country, where he was inspired to critique American capitalism and religion.
Soviet Union
Langston Hughes was appointed to this role by his classmates, who believed that all black people possessed an innate sense of rhythm.
Class poet
Langston Hughes was an influential figure during this cultural movement that celebrated Black identity and art.
Harlem Renaissance
This ancient wonder, built in Giza, Egypt, is the last of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
Great Pyramid of Giza
This story shows the struggle of someone trying to commit to religion while questioning religious truth and discovering that personal experience may differ.
Salvation
This poem by Hughes boldly rejects American Christianity and welcomes Marxist ideals.
Goodbye Christ
Hughes was taken to this church every Sunday by his aunt, hoping he would experience this moment of spiritual transformation.
being saved
In his writings, Hughes often portrayed these two themes that resonated deeply with many people, especially during his time.
Black struggles and pain
This musical genre originated in New Orleans in the early 20th century and is known for its improvisation and swing rhythms.
Jazz
This poem expresses the speaker's certainty in the inevitability of racial justice by declaring, “Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table."
I, too
In “Goodbye Christ”, Hughes says to “make way for a new guy with no religion at all,” naming this famous political thinker among others.
Karl Marx
In “Salvation”, Langston gives in to this social pressure at church and pretends to experience it, even though he didn't truly feel it.
being saved by Jesus
The hardships of this event greatly impacted Langston Hughes, leading him to become more politically radical and change his writing style.
The Great Depression
This Greek god of the sea is often depicted holding a trident.
Poseidon
Hughes explores the idea that justice is not optional or hopeful, but this kind of philosophical certainty.
Inevitable Truth
Hughes believed this economic system had failed Americans and should be replaced with socialist ideals.
capitalism
This line from Hughes’s early life describes the harassment he faced in school, including being seated in this spot because of his race.
back corner
During his trip to the Soviet Union in 1932, Hughes made observations and drew parallels between the struggles of Black Americans in the South and the oppressed populations of this political system.
Communism
This company, founded by Steve Jobs, is known for its iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers.
Apple
In “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, Hughes reconnects Black identity to this deep and dignified heritage.
Historical Greatness
In the 1930s, Hughes wrote tributes to this leader of the Russian Communist Party, reflecting the hope the Russian Revolution gave to oppressed people worldwide.
Vladimir Lenin
Hughes’ father, who fled to Mexico and didn't want his son to pursue a writing career, financed only this amount of Hughes’s tuition at Columbia University.
One year of tuition
Hughes documented these types of similarities between the struggles of Black Americans in the South and the oppressed peoples he saw in the Soviet Union.
struggles for freedom and equality
This fruit is known for its high vitamin C content and is commonly used to make juice or eaten raw.
an orange