Symbolic Imagery in Langston Hughes Poems, The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Symbolic Imagery in Langston Hughes Poems, The Negro Speaks of Rivers and Mother To Son Langston Hughes utilises symbolism throughout his poetry. In the poems The Negro Speaks of Rivers and Mother To Son, Langston Hughes uses symbolism to arrive his meaning of the poems to the readers. Readers may make worldy interpretations about the symbols used throughout these poems. Throughout the poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers Hughes uses metaphorical statements to suggest to the reader what the soul of the African American has been through. The symbols of the old rivers, from which the African American ideal has risen, can be interpreted in many different ways. They can represent the birth and festering of the African American nuance, and some of the most significant moments of their past. The symbolism in Mother To Son is used to portray a life of struggle that African Americans must extend to conquer. The words written in this poem represent the pride and knowledge of a group of outstanding people. Reader response varies widely due to the use of symbolism in Langston Hughes works. Throughout the poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers Hughes uses the word I (4). Some people interpret this word not merely as one man but instead the embodiment of the African American culture. In the poem Hughes says Ive known rivers (1) this may be interpreted to mean that the African People down seen those times that are represented by the rivers and flourished because of them. This poem can be interpreted to mean that the African Americans accomplishments and history is being shown by the rivers. Hughes is saying that the culture of these people has ?grown deep like the rivers? (3). It has become a plethora of ... ...n his poetry. Hughes creates many responses to these poems through the use of symbolism, which he may otherwise not give way been able to do. Works CitedDove, Rita, and Marilyn Nelson. ?Langston Hughes and Harlem.? Literature An Introdu ction To Fiction, Poetry, And Drama. Eds. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia tertiary ed. New York Longman, 2003. 770Hughes, Langston. ?The Negro Speaks of Rivers.? Literature An Introduction To Fiction, Poetry, And Drama. Eds. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia 3rd ed. New York Longman, 2003. 759Hughes, Langston. ?Mother To Son.? Literature An Introduction To Fiction, Poetry, And Drama. Eds. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia 3rd ed. New York Longman, 2003. 759Pinckney, Darryl. ?Black Identity In Langston Hughes.? Literature An Introduction To Fiction, Poetry, And Drama. Eds. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia 3rd ed. New York Longman, 2003. 772