Langston Hughes’s work typically portrays the tough realities confronted by impoverished and marginalized youth, notably Black youngsters through the early to mid-Twentieth century. His poems and tales regularly depict the untimely deaths of those younger individuals, typically on account of societal neglect, violence, and lack of alternative. For instance, his poem “A Ballad of Landlord” illustrates the deadly penalties of substandard housing and financial hardship.
Highlighting the tragic fates of kids serves a vital perform in Hughes’s writing. It exposes the systemic inequalities that contributed to their struggling and serves as a strong indictment of social injustice. By giving voice to those unvoiced victims, Hughes compels readers to confront the devastating penalties of racism and poverty. His work contributes to a broader understanding of the African American expertise throughout this period and continues to resonate with up to date audiences grappling with related points. His highly effective imagery and stark language personalize these tragedies, making them inconceivable to disregard.