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Essay / Double Consciousness in Hughes' Poetry a poet. » Langston Hughes, perhaps the most prominent black American poet, frequently incorporates these complementary aspects of consciousness into his poetry. The concept of a multi-faceted consciousness is exhibited in his poems through the interweaving of the black perspective into the broader American perspective. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay As demonstrated in his poem “American Heartbreak,” Hughes depicts an American problem using themes more common to African-American art . In this composition, the primary expression is that of the American ideal of freedom. The recognition that a certain degree of freedom exists is significant in that it highlights the ability of black people to express themselves, just as the author does in this poem. Contrary to the widespread theory that America is the land of equality, the speaker recognizes a number of shortcomings in this proclaimed freedom when put into practice. He believes that “liberty / tramples on” the very group of people it has ignored throughout American history. Although the idea that an individual group lacks freedom is not unique to black people, it is expressed in much of their work. Hughes also cites a historical event when referring to "The great mistake / That Jamestown / Made long ago." This allusion refers to the founding of plantations and the implementation of a system that required the enslavement of an entire race. This obviously hinders the freedom of subjugated people who have been deprived of their basic human rights. As such, Hughes sends a message to America that declares the need for unfettered freedom and a reconciliation of past grievances. The poem “Democracy” discusses the lack of freedom and the flawed methods used to achieve it. He criticizes the fear tactics used to achieve democracy, stating: "Democracy will not come... through compromise and fear." Hughes seems to believe that the United States system of government was set up to the detriment of the needs and desires of black people. They had to sacrifice themselves and their families to build this nation through the enslaving parody of slavery. The speaker also “gets tired of hearing people say: / “Let things take their course.” / Tomorrow is another day."" Essentially, he condemns those who take a passive approach in achieving equality and liberty, both of which are guaranteed to all by the documents this country is built upon. It also promotes the founding of true democracy through interracial effort and cooperation. Like many black people, the speaker recognizes that he does not enjoy the same freedom as other individuals. He makes the plea: “I want freedom / Just like you.” » At the time this poem was composed, black people were still feeling the effects of discrimination and oppression. From this, it can be safely assumed that the speaker is a black individual who has experienced this and desires equality, as people of all races do. He thus mixes the American ideal of freedom with an analysis of it from the African-American point of view. Offering another form of double consciousness, “Refugee in America” combines an American perspective with that of an unidentified refugee, who is not necessarily black. This poem celebrates the principle of freedom as exhibited in America. The speaker states: "on my heartstrings, the.
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