'The Negro Speaks Of Rivers' by Langston Hughes

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I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than theflow of human blood in human veins.My soul has grown deep like the rivers.I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincolnwent down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddybosom turn all golden in the sunset.I've known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Negro Speaks of Rivers: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

If there is one poem that stands out from Langston Hughes' vast collection of poetry, it is 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers.' This poem is not just a literary masterpiece but an essential piece of African American literary and cultural heritage. The poem is a powerful testament to the depth and richness of African American culture and history, and it has continued to inspire generations of African American poets and scholars.

Background

Langston Hughes wrote 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' when he was only 18 years old, while he was traveling by train to visit his father in Mexico. He was inspired by the Mississippi River, which he crossed on his way to Mexico. He was also influenced by the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American culture and history.

The poem was published in 1921 in the magazine 'The Crisis,' which was edited by W.E.B. Du Bois. It was an immediate success and established Hughes as a major force in the literary world.

Literary Analysis

The poem is composed of five stanzas, each containing a powerful metaphor that reflects the history and culture of African Americans. The first stanza opens with the speaker saying, "I've known rivers," which immediately establishes a sense of history and experience. The use of the word 'know' suggests a deep, personal connection to the rivers, which is further emphasized by the repetition of the word 'I' throughout the poem.

In the second stanza, the speaker says, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers," which suggests a spiritual connection to the rivers. The use of the word 'soul' emphasizes the idea that the speaker's connection to the rivers is not just physical but emotional and spiritual as well.

The third stanza describes the Euphrates River, which is associated with the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. The speaker says, "I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young," which suggests a connection to ancient history and civilization. The use of the word 'bathed' also suggests a sense of purification and renewal.

The fourth stanza describes the Congo River, which is associated with Africa and the African diaspora. The speaker says, "I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans," which connects the history of African Americans to the broader history of the United States. The use of the name 'Abe Lincoln' emphasizes the role of the Civil War in African American history.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker saying, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers." This repetition emphasizes the idea that the speaker's connection to the rivers is ongoing and enduring.

Interpretation

At its core, 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' is a poem about identity and history. The rivers in the poem represent the cultural and historical roots of African Americans, and the speaker's connection to these rivers represents their connection to their culture and history.

The poem also celebrates the resilience and enduring spirit of African Americans, who have been able to survive and thrive despite centuries of oppression and discrimination. The poem suggests that the history and culture of African Americans are essential parts of American culture and history, and that they deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Conclusion

'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today. Its themes of identity, history, and resilience make it an essential part of African American literary and cultural heritage. Through this poem, Langston Hughes has created a powerful and enduring tribute to the depth and richness of African American culture and history.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Negro Speaks of Rivers: A Poetic Journey through Time and History

Langston Hughes, one of the most celebrated poets of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote The Negro Speaks of Rivers in 1920 when he was just 18 years old. This poem, which has become a classic of African American literature, is a powerful and evocative exploration of the history and experience of Black people in America. Through the metaphor of rivers, Hughes traces the journey of the Black community from ancient times to the present day, highlighting the resilience, strength, and beauty of a people who have endured centuries of oppression and struggle.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring, "I've known rivers: / I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins." This opening line immediately establishes the theme of timelessness and the connection between the speaker and the rivers. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" also emphasizes the personal nature of the poem and the speaker's intimate relationship with the subject matter.

The first river mentioned in the poem is the Euphrates, which is described as "deep and wide." This river is significant because it is one of the oldest in the world and is associated with the birthplace of civilization. By mentioning the Euphrates, Hughes is connecting the Black experience to the earliest roots of human history and civilization. The use of the word "deep" also suggests the depth of the Black experience and the many layers of history and culture that have shaped it.

The second river mentioned is the Nile, which is described as "sacred." The Nile is significant because it is associated with ancient Egypt, one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilizations in history. By mentioning the Nile, Hughes is highlighting the contributions of Black people to human civilization and the importance of recognizing and celebrating these contributions. The use of the word "sacred" also suggests the spiritual significance of the Black experience and the connection between Black people and the divine.

The third river mentioned is the Mississippi, which is described as "muddy." The Mississippi is significant because it is associated with the history of slavery and the struggle for civil rights in America. By mentioning the Mississippi, Hughes is acknowledging the painful history of Black people in America and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The use of the word "muddy" also suggests the complexity and messiness of this history and the ongoing challenges that Black people face.

The final river mentioned is the Euphrates again, which is described as "older than the flow of human blood in human veins." This repetition of the Euphrates emphasizes the theme of timelessness and the connection between the Black experience and the earliest roots of human history. The use of the word "older" also suggests the enduring nature of the Black experience and the resilience of a people who have survived centuries of oppression and struggle.

Throughout the poem, Hughes uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring the rivers to life and to convey the depth and complexity of the Black experience. For example, he describes the Euphrates as "bronze" and "singing," the Nile as "golden" and "singing," and the Mississippi as "muddy" and "moaning." These descriptions not only create a vivid picture in the reader's mind but also convey the emotional and spiritual significance of the rivers and the Black experience.

The use of the word "singing" is particularly significant because it suggests the power of music and the oral tradition in Black culture. Music has always been a central part of the Black experience, from the spirituals and work songs of slavery to the blues and jazz of the Harlem Renaissance. By describing the rivers as "singing," Hughes is highlighting the importance of music and the oral tradition in preserving and celebrating the Black experience.

The structure of the poem is also significant. It is written in free verse, which allows Hughes to experiment with form and structure and to create a sense of rhythm and flow that mirrors the movement of the rivers. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme or meter also emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the poem and the speaker's connection to the subject matter.

In conclusion, The Negro Speaks of Rivers is a powerful and evocative exploration of the history and experience of Black people in America. Through the metaphor of rivers, Langston Hughes traces the journey of the Black community from ancient times to the present day, highlighting the resilience, strength, and beauty of a people who have endured centuries of oppression and struggle. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of the Black experience and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black people to human civilization.

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