Symbols Of Truth in Langston Hughes On The Road Essay

Langston Hughes uses beautiful symbolism and imagery in his literary work â€Å"On the Road†. Hughes offers up the idea that if one is to open ones heart; life will provide unlimited abundance. In this literary work, Langston Hughes uses nature to demonstrate and symbolize the unwillingness of his main character, Sargeant, to participate in life. Hughes also demonstrates the use of a person’s anger and instinct to survive and how they both can be used as powerful forces in breaking down racial barriers. Another more impacting symbol Hughes uses is Jesus Christ as a metaphor. Hughes uses this to show how people experience life and how the traditional church values contradict each other when it comes to the acceptance of human beings. Therefore†¦show more content†¦Hughes writes that if combined, the beauty of both night and snow create a perfect harmony. ...falling white and flaky against the night† (296). This line contrasts the flaky white colored snow a nd the darkness of the night to symbolize the white and black race. This contrast of light and dark created a perfect symmetry to the world and its society. Langston Hughes use of nature brings forth the thought of the outside world, but of a feeling of emotion in ones heart. Sometimes the simplest of nature’s creations have the biggest impact to the soul. Hughes realized this and expressed it in his work â€Å"On the Road†. Another point that is conveyed by Langston Hughes work is the use of anger and instinct to survive in his main character Sargeant. When combined, these two aspects of human nature can become a powerful force when it comes to taking action against the suppression of society. In a time of depression, Sargeant faced society with a vision of racism. And a feeling of anger is only natural when limitations are placed on one’s life. As Sargeants anger rose from being denied entry into a white church and being attacked for it, survival instinct ki cks in, while the feelings of being forced from God push him forward. Its plainly clear that Sargeant is struggling for his survival and it is also clear that due toShow MoreRelatedLorraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun1260 Words   |  6 Pageslead each person down a road of self-discovery that reveals an indefinite amount of truths, which transform their promising hopes into unachievable fantasies. By using powerful characterization, Hansberry creates characters with contrasting personalities dividing their familial hopes into different dreams. With the use of symbolism, each character’s road is shown to inevitably end in a state where dreams are deferred. The preface of the book starts with an excerpt from Langston Hughes’s poem, â€Å"Harlem†Read MoreEssay Art Life of Langston Hughes5893 Words   |  24 Pagesthe fight against racism. One man used his art and the power of words to bring forth the issues of injustice suffered in America, he was Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes was a Negro Writer, born at the turn of the century in 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. His ancestry included three major race groups, however, he lived and was identified as a Negro or Colored (Hughes referred to himself as colored or Negro, because those were the terms used to refer to African-Americans in this era). He spent mostRead MoreLangston Hughes Research Paper25309 Words   |  102 PagesIn 1919, when Langston Hughes was seventeen years old, he spent the summer with his father, Jim Hughes, in Toluca, Mexico. Langston had not seen his father since he was a small child, and he was excited about making the trip. However, during this visit, no affectionate bond would develop between Langston and Jim. Jim Hughes was a cold, difficult man, who was driven by ambition to make money and achieve respect. He had moved to Mexico to avoid segregation and racial injustice in the United StatesRead MoreLiterary Terms3784 Words   |  16 Pagesdifferent and sometimes conflicting meanings in a work. Writers use ambiguity to make us think. Example: In Mystery of Heroism, Stephen Crane ends his story by not telling us if Collins came back with water or not. Example: In Weary Blues, Langston Hughes doesnt tell us exactly what happens to the blues player at the end. Aphorism A brief, cleverly worded statment that makes a wise observation about life. Benjamin Franklins Poor Richards Almanack is a book of aphorisms. We see them alsoRead MorePoverty and the American Dream Essay2446 Words   |  10 PagesSection 7 December 20,2012 The American Dream has driven many people for a long time. The dream has been presented in Hollywood movies showing a family or person striving to succeed in America. When the dream is mentioned it is done so as a powerful symbol inspiring a whole nation of immigrants. However, the â€Å"Dream† is misleading because it implies there is only one rather than many. Moreover, there are many perceptions of the American Dream and its fulfillment depends on culture, age and citizenshipRead More1. In publishing, what does it mean when the pages are uncut? What does that concept add to3200 Words   |  13 Pagesdid everything in his power to get his dream- becoming rich, moving next to her, devoting his existence for her, dying for her- he does not get his dream. 7. â€Å"Hold onto dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Langston Hughes). What is the value of Gatsby’s dream? Was it worth holding onto? What dreams should you hold onto? †¢ Gatsby’s dream is about the love he once had with Daisy. The value of his dream is his entire existence that got him to continue on with his