Langston Hughes, born in Joplin, Missouri, was a significant figure in African-American literature in the early 20th century. His works depict the socio-cultural context of his time, and his essay “Salvation” is a prime example of this. Published in 1940, this essay provides insight into Hughes’s perspective on faith and its relevance to African-American religion.
The Socio-Cultural Context of “Salvation”
The setting of the essay takes place in a religious revival event that Hughes attended with his Aunt Reed. This event took place in a small black church in a southern town where Hughes had gone to live with his relatives. The revival was part of the Pentecostal movement, which embraced an emotional style of worship, often involving speaking in tongues, jumping, and clapping.
The socio-cultural context of the time was one in which African Americans were seeking to find their identity in society, both politically and culturally. The religious setting of the essay reflects this context, with the Pentecostal movement providing a place for African Americans to express their religious beliefs and connect with their cultural heritage.
The Thesis of “Salvation”
The thesis of “Salvation” is centered around the idea that faith is not something one can force. Hughes, who was 12 years old at the time, was pressured by the church community to have a religious experience and “see the light.” However, despite his sincere desire to find faith, Hughes struggled to feel the emotional connection that was expected of him.
In “Salvation,” Hughes describes his experience at the revival, detailing his disappointment and disillusionment with the church community’s expectations. He writes, “I became more and more frustrated. I kept waiting for Jesus to come to me, but nothing happened. I wanted to see him, but nothing happened.”
Ultimately, Hughes’s experience led him to question the role of faith in African-American religion. He articulates a tension between the external pressures of religious communities and the internal struggles of faith. This tension is an essential aspect of his perspective on religion and resonates with many African Americans experiencing similar struggles.
The Broader Themes in Langston Hughes’s Writing
Hughes’s works frequently depict the experiences and struggles of African Americans, and themes of identity and community are common. In “Salvation,” these themes are present in the context of faith and religion. The tension between external pressures and internal struggles is a recurring theme that Hughes explores in his work across different contexts.
Another broad theme in Hughes’s work is the idea of the “double consciousness.” This term, coined by W.E.B. Du Bois, describes the experience of being both American and African American. It refers to the difficulties of identifying with both cultural identities while trying to navigate the complexities of social, economic, and political systems. In “Salvation,” Hughes’s struggle to feel a connection with a culture-bound religion reflects this tension.
Conclusion
In “Salvation,” Langston Hughes presents an insightful perspective on African-American religion that reflects the socio-cultural context of his time. His thesis highlights the internal struggles of faith and the external pressures of religious communities. The broader themes present in his work, such as identity and community, reflect the challenges that African Americans faced in the early 20th century.
Key Takeaways:
- Langston Hughes’s essay “Salvation” provides insight into his perspective on faith and religion
- The socio-cultural context of the essay reflects the challenges of African Americans seeking to find their identity in society
- The thesis of the essay centers around the tension between external pressures and internal struggles of faith
- The broader themes in Hughes’s work, such as identity and community, reflect the complexities of social, economic, and political systems for African Americans in the early 20th century.
Useful FAQ
Who was Langston Hughes?
Langston Hughes was an African-American writer who lived in the early 20th century. He is best known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, a literary and cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s.
What is the Pentecostal movement?
The Pentecostal movement is a religious movement that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It embraces an emotional style of worship, often involving speaking in tongues, jumping, and clapping.
What is the “double consciousness”?
The “double consciousness” is a term coined by W.E.B. Du Bois to describe the experience of being both American and African American. It refers to the difficulties of identifying with both cultural identities while trying to navigate the complexities of social, economic, and political systems.