Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes on African American Suffering

The writing styles of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes exhibit remarkable similarities, as evidenced in Angelou's poem "Africa" and Hughes's poem "Negro." Even the titles of these poems hint at their shared focus on African American experiences, a theme not surprising given the backgrounds of both authors. Both poets were activists, driven to raise awareness about the historical abuses endured by African Americans. Their works share common elements, including the repetitive use of words, stanzas, or phrases.

Common Themes: Slavery and Suffering

One of the most prominent themes in both Angelou's and Hughes's poems is the depiction of slavery and the immense suffering endured by African Americans throughout history.

While the two poets approach this theme in distinct ways, their narratives converge on the experience of African Americans as a historically oppressed group.

Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, delves into the historical context of African American suffering. In "Negro," Hughes reflects on the shared history of African Americans, alluding to their contributions to various civilizations throughout history.

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The poem references the Romans, Egyptians, Belgians, and Americans, highlighting the enduring nature of African American suffering even as empires have risen and fallen. Hughes underscores the resilience and enduring strength of African Americans, who have played a significant role in shaping history despite their oppression.

Maya Angelou's "Africa," on the other hand, presents a broader perspective that encompasses not only the historical suffering but also the process of healing and resilience. The poem's three stanzas delineate distinct phases: an innocent beginning, a tragic era of enslavement, and a message of rebuilding and empowerment.

Angelou's work serves as a testament to the endurance of African Americans, highlighting their ability to rise above adversity and strive for a brighter future.

Historical Context and Verb Tense

It is essential to examine the historical context in which these poems were written. Langston Hughes, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, produced his work during the early 20th century, while Maya Angelou gained recognition in the late 20th century with her autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Despite the temporal gap between their works, both poets engage with historical narratives that predate their own lifetimes. Their poems draw attention to the enduring legacy of African American suffering and resilience.

Hughes employs a unique narrative perspective in "Negro." While the poem is presented in the first person, it does not solely reflect Hughes's personal experiences. Instead, Hughes uses the first-person voice to embody the collective experiences of African Americans. This narrative strategy allows him to traverse various historical epochs, from the time of Julius Caesar to the era of George Washington. Hughes's poem underscores the interconnectedness of African American experiences across time and civilizations, emphasizing their enduring presence in history.

Maya Angelou's "Africa" adopts a different approach, primarily focusing on the past but incorporating elements of the present tense. The poem begins with a description of Africa's historical suffering, utilizing past tense verbs like "Thus she had lain" to evoke a sense of history and continuity. However, as the poem progresses, Angelou shifts to the present tense, signifying a change and emphasizing the resilience of African Americans. This transition underscores the idea that despite centuries of adversity, progress and transformation are underway.

Repetition and Its Significance

Both Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes employ repetition as a powerful rhetorical device in their poems. Repetition serves to emphasize key themes and messages, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

In Hughes's "Negro," the repetition of the word "black" throughout the poem serves as a poignant reminder of the color of African American skin. This repetition reinforces the idea that blackness is an inherent and unchanging aspect of African American identity. By repeating the word "black," Hughes underscores the significance of racial identity and its enduring presence throughout history.

Angelou's "Africa" also utilizes repetition to great effect. The repeated line, "Thus she has lain," serves as a narrative anchor throughout the poem. Each time this line reappears, it carries a distinct emotional resonance. Initially, it conveys innocence and contentment, symbolizing a tranquil past. When repeated later in the poem with a shift to the present tense, it suggests passivity and the ominous presence of an impending change. The final repetition of this line, in the first verse of the poem, exudes a sense of comfort and assurance, signifying a positive transformation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the works of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, as exemplified in their poems "Africa" and "Negro," share common themes and narrative techniques that reflect the historical suffering and resilience of African Americans. Despite the temporal gap between their writings, both poets emphasize the enduring legacy of African American experiences, spanning various civilizations and historical epochs. Hughes's "Negro" explores the historical contributions and endurance of African Americans, while Angelou's "Africa" encapsulates the phases of suffering, healing, and empowerment.

Repetition plays a significant role in both poems, reinforcing key themes and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Through their poetry, Angelou and Hughes contribute to a broader dialogue on African American history and identity, highlighting the enduring strength and resilience of a community that has faced centuries of adversity.