Early Autumn

This study guide will help you analyze the short story “Early Autumn” by Langston Hughes. You can also find a summary of the text, as well as inspiration for interpreting it and putting it into perspective.

Presentation of the text

Title: “Early Autumn” (1950)
Author: Langston Hughes
Genre: Short story

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was an American writer and social activist. He is one of the leaders of the Harlem Renaissance, which was an intellectual and cultural revival of African-American art and literature. Hughes published poetry and prose collections as well as non-fiction works and plays. He received several awards for his work. The short story “Early Autumn” first appeared in the Chicago Defender newspaper. It was later included in Langston Hughes’ 1963 collection Something in Common and Other Stories.

Excerpt from the study guide:

At the very least, Mary wants closure regarding her relationship with Bill. This is probably what she is trying to tell him when the bus arrives:

‘When…’ she wanted to say, but the bus was ready to pull off. The lights on the avenue blurred. And she was afraid to open her mouth as she entered the bus. Afraid it would be impossible to utter a word.

This points to Mary’s desire to resolve matters with Bill somehow, as well as to her fear of what this might mean for her and of how Bill might react ...