Aesthete+in+Harlem+page

=Aesthete in Harlem=

by [|Langston Hughes]


1 Strange, 2 That in this nigger place, 3 I should meet Life face to face 4 When for years, I had been seeking 5 Life in places gentler speaking 6 Until I came to this near street 7 And found Life---stepping on my feet!

Introduction

The Harlem Renaissance started about the same time when World War I started, and ended in the early 1930s. The Harlem Renaissance was all about African Americans going through an artistic evolution. During this time new pieces of art work, literature, and music were emerging, and everyone enjoyed it, even those of the opposite skin color. All the African Americans all over America joined together to make what is now the most memorable pieces of creative literature, art work and music. **__[|Harlem Renaissance]__**

To get into the Harlem Renaissance mood, watch the video below. While historical footage of the Harlem Renaissance is showed, and music of that time period is played, one can also listen to a narration of Langston Hughes' "The Weary Blues". By listening to the poem, one can get a greater feel for Hughes' writing style as a poet.

media type="youtube" key="KyqwvC5s4n8"

__Biography__
//"No great poet has ever been afraid of being himself."//
 * James Mercer Langston Hughes (1902-1967)**

James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902 into an abolitionist family. His mother was a school teacher and his father was a store keeper. He was the great-great-grandnephew of John Mercer Langston. John Mercer Langston was the first Black American to be elected into public office in 1855. After the divorce of his parents, Hughes moved a lot with his mother and step-father Hughes living in Mexico, Topeka, Kansas, Colorado, Indiana, and Buffalo. He went between the houses of his mother, grandmother, and other surrogate parents. One of his essays called, "Ten Thousand Beds" described his childhood moves. Finally, he moved to Cleveland where he graduated from high school and discovered poems by Carl Sandburg, which influenced him greatly. He initially wanted to become a lawyer, but was denied to take the bar exam. In 1920, Hughes attended Columbia University and studied engineering because his father did not believe he could make a good living as a writer. He soon dropped out, due to his passion to participate in more jazz and blues activities in Harlem. His first published poem was also one of his most famous, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." After that poem appeared in Brownie's Book his poems, essays, short stories and short plays appeared in the NAACP publications, //Crisis Magazine// and //Opportunity Magazine.// In 1923, he traveled abroad on a freighter to Nigeria, Senegal, the Cameroons, Belgium Congo, Angola, and Guinea in Africa. He also went to Spain, France, Russia and Italy. He returned to Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance in 1924. During this time period his writings flourished and then moved to Washington D.C. in 1925 to spend more time in blues and jazz clubs. In 1925 Hughes' got his big break while working as a waiter. He slipped three of his poems to Vachel Lindsay, a famous poet, who went to promote Hughes' work and introduced him to publishers. One of his favorite things to do and one of his greatest inspirations was sitting in jazz clubs listening to the blues while writing poetry. From these experiences he created a new style of writing for himself, in a series of poems, that include "The Weary Blues." In 1926 two major events occur in Hughes' life. He was accepted a job with Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Editor of the Journal of Negro Life and History, and was the founder of Black History Week. Also, one of his finest essays, "The Negro Artists and Racial Mountain" appeared in the Nation in 1926. About a year later he moved back to his favorite place, his beloved Harlem. In 1932-1933 he spent a year in the Soviet Union where his most radical verse was written. Then a year in Carmel, California led him to writing a collection of short stories The Ways of White Folks 1934. These short stories were focused on race relations, pessimism, and sardonic realism. Also, in 1935 he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Rosenwald Fellowship in 1940. He was also awarded an honorary Lit.D. in 1943 by his alma mater. Hughes' artistic contributions to the Harlem Renaissance were highly important. Unlike many other poets of this time Hughes never differenciated between his personal experiences and common experiences of black America because he believed that they were the same. He wanted to tell the stories of his people in ways that reflected the culture like suffering, language, laughter, and the common love of music. After Hughes died of cancer in May 22,1967 his residence in Harlem, New York was declared landmark status by the New York City Preservation Commission. The East 127th Street was renamed to "Langston Hughes Place." He devoted his life to writing and lecturing. Over the course of his life he wrote 16 books of poems, 2 novels, 3 collections of short stories, 4 volumes of "documentary" and "editorial" fiction, 20 plays, children's poetry, musicals/operas, 3 autobiographies, 12 radio and television scripts and dozens of magazine articles. While at the same time editing seven anthologies, he was truly a renaissance man of his field.


 * LANGSTON HUGHES MILESTONES***
 * 1921** Published his first poem, 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers,' in //Crisis// magazine
 * 1926** Published his first volume of poetry, //The Weary Blues//, and received a scholarship to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania
 * 1930** Published his first novel, //Not Without Laughter//, after his college graduation in 1929
 * Early 1930s** Traveled to Cuba, Haiti, the Soviet Union, and Japan, wrote short stories, and in 1934 published a collection of these in //The Ways of White Folks//
 * 1935** The drama //Mulatto// opened on Broadway
 * 1937** Traveled to Spain as a correspondent during the Spanish Civil War
 * 1938** Started the Harlem Suitcase Theater
 * 1940s** Published his autobiography, //The Big Sea//, in 1940; in the following years, wrote a newspaper column in which he invented the popular character Jesse B. Semple (who was also called Simple)
 * 1951** Published a collection of poems, //Montage of a Dream Deferred//, which included his well-known poem 'Harlem'
 * 1958** Published his second novel, //Tambourines to Glory//
 * 1967** His last book of poetry, //The Panther and the Lash//, was published posthumously.

__Penning of the Poem__
"Aesthete in Harlem" was most likely written to show that "Life" could be found in places where it's least expected. Nobody really thought that they could find something so alive in a part of town struck by poverty and hate crimes. Langston Hughes saw this life, not only through others but through himself as well. After reading a poem like this, one really needs to look up the meaning of aesthete for the actual poem to be pulled together. The word aesthete means a person who loves art and writing, and also means "one having or affecting great sensitivity and beauty, as in art or nature." Then the title says one who loves art, or having beauty, like art or nature, is in Harlem, where the Harlem Renaissance was going on (artistic revival movement for the African Americans).

Langston Hughes wrote many great works of poetry. One of his great works was a poem titled "Aesthete in Harlem". This poem came out in 1930. It was published in Langston Hughes poetry book, "Dear Lovely Death"(1931).



"Dear Lovely Death"

Hughes, Langston. __Dear Lovely Death__. New York: Oxford University Press, 1931. Langston Hughes published "Dear Lovely Death" to appeal to a small group of interracial Opportunity, said that Hughes "literary and revolutionary" poems were aimed at an audience defined largely by the cultural institutions of the CPUSA and the Comitern. Hughes is said that he ponders the "ironies and paradoxes of universality and literary transcendence". This book represents feelings of alienation, fragmented identity, and failed attempts to constitute or reconstitute family and community. But while many people look at this book/poem and criticize it, good or bad, we must realize that these two elements contributed to a major movement that affected decades to come.

You can find other books that contain "Aesthete in Harlem" at Borders, Amazon.com, and Powells.com. One book is:

This book has the best collection of Langston Hughes writings. It has the poems from Hughes first book from 1926, to the more recent ones, all the best poems of this century. With 191 poems ranging from "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" to "Island."

Hughes, Langston. __Hughes: Poems(Everyman's Lisbrary Pocket Poets)__. New York: Everyman's Library, 1999.

=**__Annotation__**=

__Aesthete in Harlem__
From the title one can assume that the author is trying to describe the time in which Harlem flourished in the arts. The meaning of "aesthete" ("one who cultivates an unusually high sensitivity to beauty, as in art or nature"), is important towards understanding the connection it makes with the discovery of the talent of the people of Harlem, during this time period, known as the Harlem Renaissance. People from Harlem and other black communities were finally allowed to excell artistically. African Americans had greater reason to appreciate their culture and have a better enjoyment of life by expressing that through the beauty of the arts.


 * __1 Strange,__**

Strange is the only word, on the first line. It is also the only word that does not rhyme with another word. Perhaps this is in order to add emphasis. It lets the audience know that the narrator's current thought is that he believes that something is unusual or unexpected.


 * __2 That in this nigger place,__**

"Nigger place" referring most likely to Harlem, which we can assume from the title. Just because the derogatory term "nigger" is being used, does not mean that it is in the perspective of a white person. The black community of Harlem probably referred to themselves as "niggers", without it being offensive. The narrator, when he uses the term, is not trying to insult the African Americans, but just trying to describe a place which is populated with black people.


 * __3 I should meet Life face to face__**

The word "Life" is capitalized. This is most likely so that one can note its importance. The meaning of "Life" in this line is supposed to express how one must live, in order to get the most from their life. The narrator say how he meets with "Life" face to face. Showing that what he sees is prominent, and undeniably visible. Also, the word face and place rhyme. Sometimes, poets use writing schemes to give off a lighter, happier tone to a poem.


 * __4 When for years, I had been seeking__**

The narrator explains how for many years he has been searching for Life somewhere else.


 * __5 Life in places gentler speaking__**

From this line, we now know that he was seeking to find "Life" or a better, successful happier form of living in "places gentler speaking". One can assume that "places gentler speaking" is a a life that resembles one of the white man. An ideal life for a white man which would include: going to college, being educated, living a luxurious life, success, etc. By saying that white men are "gentler speaking", that also provides the stereotype that white people are more refined and proper, compared to the African American race. Also, "seeking" and "speaking" rhyme, which is a continuation of a rhyming pattern.


 * __6 Until I came to this near street__**

The poet chooses to use the word "until" showing that the narrator had been believing that the purpose of life had an alternate meaning for years. The narrator talks about a "near" street. This shows that it is near to him because he is also African American like the people who live on this street. The street, and the culture and people found within in it, is something the narrator has a connection to, because he too, is part of that community.


 * __7 And found Life---stepping on my feet!__**

The narrator finally finds the purpose of life in the African American community of Harlem. And he sees that despite what he might have believed before, he now sees that it is beautiful, and holds a different perspective on life. He explains how it is "stepping on [his] feet", which could have two meanings. First, how now, this new outlook is so obvious that it is "stepping" on him, bringing attention to his mind. And how because it is stepping on him, he is now prevented from walking away from what he has just found. Furthermore, the author chose to use dashes, in order to create a pause, when reading aloud, and an exclamation point to end the poem. The strongly emphasizes the narrators surprise of what he found in Harlem. The words "feet" and "street" also rhyme, giving the poem a rhyming pattern of ABBCCDD.

For more annotations on Langston Hughes "Aesthete in Harlem" please go to the following link: http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/m/meisel-cowboy.html



=__Criticism__=

Langston Hughes is most evidently blessed with a gift of poetry which is displayed through his important role during the Harlem Renaissance. It is expected that a talented writer such as himself would have much praise, but some critics think otherwise, and thus, results in harsh views of Langston Hughes' literary works. Still, however, many remain faithful to his written pieces and find beauty in deep meanings of his words. Though both are opposing views, the two sides find it indisputable that Langston Hughes had a large impact on the Harlem Renaissance and that the Harlem Renaissance had a large impact on Langston Hughes.
 * A Leader of the Harlem Renaissance**

"Langston Hughes [explores] the nature of ... revolutionary inclinations in order to determine whether they are fundamental revolutions against the majority dream and culture as a whole, or whether they are actually rebellious attempts to break down barriers to their realization of the majority dream. [...] Hughes does not explore this legacy of revolution in any exhortatory sense. That is, he obviously identifies with the Black rebel-heirs to the American Dream indeed their rebellion is the very essence of his own poetic protest but he does this without necessarily espousing any concept of a radically transforming revolution. And here we are brought face to face with a basic ambiguity in some of Hughes' dream poems: on the one hand, his satiric expose of the deferred dream in Black America is invariably couched in terms which taunt White America about the essentially non-revolutionist nature of //its// Revolution; but, on the other hand, his identification with the Black American's rebellion does not go beyond protest to any revolutionary ideology of his own." -Lloyd W. Brown

"As might be expected Hughes has written most frequently, though not exclusively, of Negro characters. Consequently the importance of the color line in America is frequently reflected in his work. The effect of the color line on the American Dream is therefore an integral part of his protest. In one of his biographies for young people, **//Famous Negro Music Makers//** (1961), Hughes quotes musician Bert Williams as saying: "It is not a disgrace to be a Negro, but it is very inconvenient." In viewing the string of "inconveniences" vitally affecting the dignity of black Americans Hughes voices his reactions to shriveled freedom, dwarfed equality, and shrunken opportunity--blemishes on the essential ingredients of the American Dream. His poetry and prose echo protest and, usually, hope." -James Presley

Langston Hughes is often thought of as a key member in the Harlem Renaissance. Even though he did much work during this time period, critics argue that he is an individual poet. not a member of a new literary style. In fact many black intellectuals were very much against Hughes work, especially some of his early works. It was said that his poems portrayed a stereotypical black hard life. Many of Hughes poems are based on the lives of blacks who live lives of difficulty. Hughes, himself, says that his poems are about, "workers, roustabouts, and singers, and job hunters on Lenox Avenue in New York, or Seventh Street in Washington or South State in Chicago--people up today and down tomorrow, working this week and fired the next, beaten and baffled, but determined not to be wholly beaten, buying furniture on the installment plan, filling the house with roomers to help pay the rent, hoping to get a new suit for Easter--and pawning that suit before the Fourth of July." These poems are targeted to attract the people who are living these lives. But others view it as a way of showing the "Black Life" in a light that is not true for everyone.
 * Protraying a Stereotypical Black Life**

"I sympathized deeply with those critics and those intellectuals, and I saw clearly the need for some of the kinds of books they wanted. But I did not see how they could expect every Negro author to write such books. Certainly, I personally knew very few people anywhere who were wholly beautiful and wholly good. Besides I felt that the masses of our people had as much in their lives to put into books as did those more fortunate ones who had been born with some means and the ability to work up to a master's degree at a Northern college. Anyway, I didn't know the upper class Negroes well enough to write much about them. I knew only the people I had grown up with, and they weren't people whose shoes were always shined, who had been to Harvard, or who had heard of Bach. But they seemed to me good people, too." Estace Gay Many critics have the same opinion as Gay; yes at times it was difficult, but not always to the extent that Hughes emphasized. This could have influenced why during the time of Hughes prime, many "Serious white critics ignored him, less serious ones compared his poetry to Cassius Clay doggerel, and most black critics only grudgingly admired him." Lindasy Patterson

It is clear that Langston Hughes has gained much press through his writing. His 'American Dream' has inspired, and has certainly been a huge part of the Harlem Renaissance, despite all cruel remarks critics have made. Langston Hughes survived these criticisms, and even over time, is still considered to be one of the greatest poets that ever lived.

//"Listen, America//-- //I live here, too.// //I want freedom// //Just as you."//

__Reactions to Poem__
Below are reactions and personal opinions, where people have summarized what they have gained from reading Langston Hughes' "Aesthete in Harlem".

I really loved the poem. What I think makes it so powerful and moving is how Hughes manages to capture so much in such few lines. His words are simple, not words that are over the top. When you read the poem out loud, you can see that the poem has a nice rhythmic flow. Also, I think the message trying to be portrayed is beautiful. As Aaron and I discussed in our annotations, it is about an African American who tries to succeed in a white man's world. He expresses how initially, he thought that he was going to find "Life" in areas where white people lived, however, when he is in Harlem, life is stepping on his feet. He can't help but see and conclude, that as surprising as it may be, that Harlem (its culture and its people) is beautiful. After reading the poem, I can honestly say that it makes me happy. I think it's lovely to know that despite the hardships that African Americans have had to face, they, along with others can appreciate all the talent and accomplishments that they deserve. --Steph Hill

I also enjoyed this poem and was glad that I am in this group. I like how unlike most poets of his time Langston Hughes did not drag on and repeat the point that he was trying to convey. His poems were always short, sweet, straight to the point, and moving. If there is one thing that bothers me about the poem it's that he uses the "N-word." I understand he is apart of that "culture" but when someone of the African-American culture and race uses that word it makes it seem like it's okay for other people to say it. To me, no word with any negative connotation is okay to be used. -- Steph Kardon Weber

As I look over the poem, I can't help but love the fact that it rhymes. Though the poem is rather short, Hughes still manages to say all that was needed to be said. One does not need to read an entire essay to extract the meaning that he tries to convey. It may be brief but that is what makes this poem all the more special. Also, most poetry that we have read in class so far dealing with the Harlem Renaissance holds a depressing tone to it. But the way Langston Hughes writes this poem makes it seem more light and happy, I think that's what captured my attention the most. Surely, it's not Dr. Seuss, but it does wedge in a smile at the corner of my lips. -- Celia Tong

I like this poem, it speaks of finding life in places were it would be least expected. I agree with Celia, I also enjoy the way it rhymes, it makes it so much more pleasant to read. This poem is like a breathe of fresh air, by taking a break from all of the heavy depressing poems that Langston Hughes has written. I like the message of even in difficult times joy in life can be found. I also don't like how he used the "N-word" as Steph stated. I don't know why it was necessary but he was obviously trying to get a reaction, by using it. In general I thought that this poem was very satisfying to read, and I loved it! I don't know if anyone else noticed buy finding information on this specific poem was very difficult. I am unaware of how popular this poem really is, but before being assigned this project I had never heard of this poem! Not that I am an expert on Langston Hughes, but it is my impression that this is not one of his most famous works. Maybe this lack of popularity is due to the lightness of the poem. Langston Hughes is often times mentioned for the struggles and the hardships of the African American people. Aesthete In Harlem, however has themes of hope and finding goodness even in places where it is difficult to find: such as Harlem. As stated before Aesthete means, "a person who has or professes to have refined sensitivity toward the beauties of art or nature"( [|http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Aesthete).] Were people of that time period looking for words or reassurances? Or were they looking for works that protested and fought against what was happening in and near their homes? -Brianna Brown

I agree with everyone else's reactions, and I especially like how Hughes takes a bad situation and brings the best out of it. He is able to look away from the discrimination and focus on the great life he found within the limits of his own community. I think he's trying to send a message to all blacks telling them to lift up their heads and be proud of who they are. He wants to glorify the good things in life, such as the arts and music. I'm not bothered that he used the N-word because he's black himself. If he wants to use that word, there's no reason why he shouldn't be able, especially if he thinks it adds to the poem in a way that other words couldn't. In all, I really enjoyed the poem because it's upbeat and optimistic. - Aaron Dawson

I really enjoyed this poem as well. I love how Hughes can get his point across to the reader in just seven short lines. Even with simplistic words, he was able to portray a wonderful rhythm heard when reading the poem aloud. However, I appreciated his word choice and respected it even more when learning about his life. I love how Hughes was comfortable enough with his own race to use words such as the "N-word" in his writing. I also enjoyed how this was one of the more upbeat poems of the Harlem Renaissance. All of the poems have been sad and gloomy, but this poem allowed me to see that some African Americans were able to see the "silver lining" even when life was ridiculously rough. -- Meg Ferguson

I really enjoy how this poem makes you think. I enjoy taking it into different perspectives, and and actually understanding how he puts the whole poem together. When i first read it i was really confused, i looked up the definition for aesthete, and everything just came together, it was like the missing puzzle piece. I like the way Hughes capitilized "Life" it brought more meaning of how nobody would expect something so colorful out of people who were beaten and all they went through was plain out gloomy. This poem puts so much information in a little stanza, but it works out perfectly. -Aisha Ali

Langston Hughes was a wonderful poet. In this few sentence poem he is able to prove his point and get it across. We know that this poem and the book were published for the wealthy and intellectual, white, group of people. This poem was able to allow people to know the perspective of the writers and experiences of the Harlem Renaissance. Before studying the Harlem Renaissance I was not very poetry literate. Reading Langston Hughes and other writers of his time opened a whole new door to me. These writers were able to be comfortable with who they were, are, and will be. Hughes proves this when he uses the "N" word. He is not afraid of who he is and is ancestry. He shows us that we should accept who we are and where we came from. It doesn't matter what we look like on the outside, but how we fight for our rights and are not ashamed of our past. Langston Hughes was not afraid to tell the truth of the time through his poetry, stories, and plays. -- Alex Sparks-Hanson

=__More Works by Langston Hughes__=

If you enjoyed 'Aesthete in Harlem', you should read...

[|Dreams] [|Life is Fine] [|Madam and Her Madam] [|Night Funeral in Harlem] [|I, Too, Sing America] [|Po' Boy Blues] [|The Weary Blues] [|In Time of Silver Rain] [|Theme for English B] [|Quiet Girl] [|Me and the Mule] [|Walkers with the Dawn] [|Dreams Deferred]

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