Throughout many years, African Americans have been struggling in defining and constructing their identity, especially male African Americans had problems to build up self-esteem and to reassure their cultural masculinity, which was undermined by white men. Not only does history confirm this struggle but so does literature. In liter-ature, many different aspects about male black identity and their struggle for identity can be found. However, one of the most important authors in this context is Langston Hughes. In his works, he focuses on the urban life of African Americans and the problems they had to face because of oppression and racism evoked by white Americans. Furthermore, Hughes wanted “to record and interpret the lives of the common black folk, their thoughts and habits and dreams, their struggle for political freedom and economic well-being” (Jemie: 1). By doing so in his writings, he took this struggle for and negotiation of racial identity to another level in developing a unique form of expression.
In this thesis, I will concentrate on three major works by Langston Hughes: Mulatto: A Tragedy of the Deep South, “Simple speaks his mind” and Not without laughter. All three texts display emotional conflicts and the struggle for identity of African American men with “simplicity and depth” (Tidwell: 3). Furthermore, all three pro-tagonists have a rather low status in society, which contributes, according to Lang-ston Hughes, to their authenticity since they are the ones who represent the African American and thus their pursuit of identity (cf. Tidwell: 3).
Moreover, I am going to begin with a general overview of the male black identity and the struggle for an African American male perspective in a culture which is dom-inated by white American men. Afterwards, I will transfer this concept of male black identity to the three selected works by Langston Hughes and analyse in how far these texts engage in constructing their main characters in similar terms. The next significant aspect will be concerned with the question in how far education is perceived as a part of this male black identity and in how far it supports the development of an African American male identity. When having discussed the influence of education in the protagonists’ male black identity development, I am going to turn to the topic of identity crisis. [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Male black identity
- Male black identity in selected works by Langston Hughes
- The drama Mulatto
- The short stories “Simple speaks his mind”
- The prose Not without laughter
- The influence of education on male black identity
- The drama Mulatto
- The short stories “Simple speaks his mind”
- The prose Not without laughter
- Identity crisis within male black identity development
- The drama Mulatto
- The short stories “Simple speaks his mind”
- The prose Not without laughter
- Langston Hughes's works Mulatto, “Simple speaks his mind” and Not without laughter in the historical context
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis explores the representation of male black identity in the works of Langston Hughes, specifically focusing on the drama *Mulatto*, the short story collection *“Simple speaks his mind”*, and the novel *Not without laughter*. The author examines how Hughes portrays the struggles, conflicts, and development of African American male identity within a context of oppression and racism. The analysis investigates the influence of education on the development of male black identity, explores the complexities of identity crisis, and situates the works within their historical context.* **Male black identity in the context of racism and oppression** * **The influence of education on African American male identity** * **Identity crisis as a crucial element of male black identity development** * **The historical context of Langston Hughes's works and their significance in shaping the African American experience** * **The exploration of African American masculinity through the lens of Hughes's works**
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the thesis by providing a general overview of the struggles faced by African American men in constructing their identity within a society dominated by white men. The author introduces Langston Hughes as a significant author who explored the complexities of African American life and identity, particularly in the context of oppression and racism. The thesis focuses on three of Hughes's works: *Mulatto*, *“Simple speaks his mind”*, and *Not without laughter*, which are all chosen for their portrayal of the emotional conflicts and the struggle for identity of African American men.
- Male black identity: This chapter provides a broader context for understanding the challenges faced by African American men in constructing their identity. The author examines the historical roots of oppression and white supremacy, highlighting how they contributed to the suppression of African American culture and humanity. The chapter explores the pervasive stereotypes and prejudices directed towards African American men, emphasizing how these constructs served to undermine their sense of self-worth and agency. The chapter also examines how the constant struggle for identity and equality fueled feelings of anger and fear among African American men.
- Male black identity in selected works by Langston Hughes: This chapter delves into the specific ways in which Langston Hughes portrays male black identity in the three selected works. The analysis examines the main characters in each work and analyzes their experiences, conflicts, and journeys in constructing their identity within a racially charged society. This chapter will focus on how each work showcases the complexities and struggles of African American male identity in relation to broader societal issues.
- The influence of education on male black identity: This chapter explores the role of education in shaping and influencing the development of male black identity. The author examines how the protagonists in Hughes's works interact with educational institutions and how education contributes to their understanding of themselves and their place in society. This chapter analyzes the ways in which education can both empower and limit the development of African American male identity in the context of a racially segregated society.
- Identity crisis within male black identity development: This chapter explores the concept of identity crisis as a crucial element in the development of male black identity. The analysis focuses on how the protagonists in Hughes's works grapple with conflicting aspects of their identities, navigating the pressures and expectations of a society that often denies them full recognition and belonging. The author will examine how these identity struggles impact the protagonists' lives and choices, and how they ultimately find meaning and purpose within their own experiences.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis explores themes of African American identity, racism, oppression, education, identity crisis, and masculinity in the context of Langston Hughes's works. It examines the struggles of African American men in constructing their identities within a racially charged society, exploring how they navigate stereotypes, prejudices, and societal limitations. The thesis further analyzes the role of education in shaping and influencing the development of African American male identity, and how identity crises contribute to their individual journeys and experiences.- Quote paper
- Sarah Wienand (Author), 2013, Male black identity in selected works by Langston Hughes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/271145
