Analysis Of Langston Hughes s Poem Harlem Sweeties

From â€Å"Mother to Son† to â€Å"Harlem Sweeties†, Langston Hughes uses various themes and poetic structures within his writing. Hughes writing style consisted of the black pride and strength of the black community that would later be considered as the â€Å"driving force† behind The Harlem Renaissance. His poems and short stories seemed to evoke a feeling of hopefulness, pride and self- realization. He wrote song lyrics, essays, autobiographies and plays however, his multi-dimensional style of writing consisted of varying themes. Captured in each theme is Hughes’ interpretation of the identity within the African-American culture. Dignity, Racism, Music and Knowledge of Self are some of the common themes that are embodied in Hughes’ work. In the poem â€Å"Harlem Sweeties†, he pays homage to the physical beauty of the African-American women living in Harlem during a time when being black was not considered to be a beautiful trait within t he eyes of â€Å"white society†. He captures the dignity of the women of Harlem by comparing their varying complexions to decadent desserts and sweet fruits. Langston Hughes had a witty way of using similes and metaphors to capture the inner strength and integrity of the black community. His writing reflects a sense of pride in his racial identity and he was realistic about the oppressive nature of living in a â€Å"white society†. In order to gain a further understanding of the complexities within Hughes free style of writing, we must explore the common themes