Perspectives

Literary perspective

The poem “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes belongs to the modernist movement called the Harlem Renaissance. The term refers to a cultural movement that began in the neighborhood of Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, and is defined as a revival of African-American literature, musi…

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Textual perspective

Many of the poems written by Langston Hughes explore issues related to the African-American experience. The poem “Ballad of the Landlord”, for example, explores the theme of racism and injustice. In the poem, a black tenant is wrongfully imprisoned and denied bail after his white landlord accuses him of trying to break the law.

The poem “Merry-Go-Round” by Langston Hughes explores the theme of racial injustice and segregation and looks at the experience of an African-American child. In the poem, the child is confused about how racial segregation works on a merry-go-round, as he is used to being forced to keep away from white people. 

You could also take a look at the poem “Harlem” by Langston…