Identify two important influences on Langston Hughes. How did these things affect his work?
http://www.nathanielturner.com/langstonhughesbio.htm
Read that third paragraph very carefully.
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his maternal grandmother, Mary Langston and John Mercer Langston the were his music
Two important influences on Langston Hughes were his racial identity and the Harlem Renaissance. Both of these influences played a significant role in shaping his work and literary style.
1. Racial Identity: As an African American writer, Hughes explored themes of racial identity, discrimination, and the experiences of Black people in America. Growing up in a time of racial segregation, he experienced firsthand the struggles and injustices faced by African Americans. This deeply influenced his poetry, prose, and plays, as he aimed to give voice to the Black community's hopes, dreams, and challenges. Hughes portrayed the beauty, resilience, and cultural traditions of African Americans, while also shedding light on the social, economic, and political inequalities they faced. His works, such as "The Weary Blues" and "I, Too, Sing America," became important contributions to the African American literary movement, reflecting the experiences of many while inspiring a sense of pride and unity.
2. The Harlem Renaissance: Hughes was also heavily influenced by the cultural and artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, which occurred in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York. During this time, African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals gathered in Harlem, creating a vibrant cultural scene. Hughes became an active participant in this movement, engaging with fellow artists, intellectuals, and activists. The Harlem Renaissance provided Hughes with a platform to express his ideas and aspirations, as well as mentorship from prominent figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Alain Locke. The movement's celebration of African American culture, pride, and creative expression greatly influenced Hughes' work. His poetry, in particular, was characterized by a rhythmic and syncopated language reminiscent of jazz, a key cultural expression of the time. Hughes' engagement with the Harlem Renaissance helped solidify his reputation as a leading figure in African American literature and allowed his work to reach a wide audience, thereby spreading the message of social and artistic empowerment.
In summary, Langston Hughes' work was profoundly influenced by his racial identity and the cultural movement of the Harlem Renaissance. These influences shaped his themes, styles, and subject matter, enabling him to capture the Black experience and establish himself as a prominent voice in American literature.